J-^t- 


6 


THE 


FIRST  ANNUAL 


REPORT 


OF 


The  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions 


FOR  THE 


UNITED  STATES 


"Let  the  whole  earth  be  filled  with  HIS  glory.— Amen 
and  Amen." 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PRINTED  BY  ORDER  OF  THE  BOARD. 

William  Fry,  Printer. 

1815. 


*.      *5x 


V« 


ADDRESS. 


I.  FIE  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  for  the  United 

States  have  the  pleasure  of  presenting  to  the  Associations  of 
their  order,  to  the  several  Missionary  Societies,  and  to  the 
public,  their  First  Annual  Report.  They  feel  grateful 
to  the  Supreme  Head  of  the  church  for  the  success  which 
has  thus  far  attended  the  zeal  and  piety  of  thousands  for 
the  extension  of  the  Mediator's  empire,  and  ardently  hope 
that  each  successive  year  will  be  distinguished  by  renewed 
exertions. 

Of  the.  business  which  has  called  for  the  attention  of 
the  Board  at  their  respective  meetings,  and  of  the  manner 
in  which  they  have  endeavoured  to  execute  it,  a  judg- 
ment will  be  formed  from  extracts,  here  presented,  which 
contain  the  substance  of  their  proceedings. 

The  detailed  account  of  the  labours  of  brother  Rice 
will  be  read  with  interest.  Devoted  to  the  service  of  God 
in  the  cause  of  Missions,  and  acting  as  agent  of  the  Board, 
his  endeavours  to  excite  and  direct  the  godly  zeal  of  as- 
sociations, to  originate  missionary  institutions,  and  to 
contribute  to  the  efficiency  of  the  Convention  and  its 
Board,  have  been  active  and  incessant.  Impressed  with 
the  importance  of  his  past  services,  and  believing,  that 
there  are  sections  of  our  country  in  which  his  future 
labours  may  prove  eminently  useful,  how  desirable  soever, 
on  some  accounts,  his  early  removal  to  a  missionary  sta- 
tion may  appear,  the  latter  are  of  opinion  that  it  is  the  real 
interest  of  the  body  to  continue  him  some  time  longer  in 
his  present  engagements.  Conformably  to  this  conviction 


they  have  resolved  on  his  remaining-  awhile  their  agent 
in  the  United  Slates.  The  Board  most  affectionately  com- 
mend him  to  the  favour  and  kind  offices  of  their  christian 
brethren.  The  fraternal  manner  in  which  his  past  efforts 
have  been  welcomed,  combined  with  the  high  importance 
of  the  work  in  which  he  is  engaged,  create  an  assurance 
that  he  will  continue  to  be  received  as  a  "  brother  be- 
loved." Brethren  whose  information,  wealth  or  influence 
can  assist  him  in  accomplishing  the  end  of  his  appoint- 
ment, it  is  hoped,  will  promptly  come  forward  and  seize 
the  honour  of  becoming  auxiliaries  in  a  cause,  conducive 
to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  benighted  mil- 
lions. 

Into  the  service  of  the  mission  the  Board  have  lately 
received  Mr.  George  H.  Hough,  a  young  brother  who 
has  been  deeply  concerned  for  the  salvation  of  the  heathen, 
and  made  willing  to  become  a  missionary  of  the  cross. 
He  has  a  wife  and  two  small  children.  The  Board  pos- 
sess an  entire  satisfaction  as  to  his  character,  talents  and 
piety.  He  has  acquired  under  the  instruction  of  his  father 
a  competent  knowledge  of  the  art  of  printing.  In  case  of 
the  publishing  of  the  Scriptures  in  the  Burman  language, 
his  assistance  may  prove  in  a  high  degree  useful.  A  far- 
ther account  of  the  exercises  of  his  mind  and  of  his  set- 
ting apart  to  the  office  of  a  missionary,  will  be  found  in 
the  subsequent  pages.  He  is  waiting  an  opportunity  to 
sail  to  Rangoon,  to  unite  with  brother  Judson  in  the  work 
of  the  Lord. 

The  Board  are  sensible  that  no  communications  exceed 
in  interest,  those  which  are  obtained  from  the  immediate 
seat  of  a  mission  in  heathen  regions.  Owing  to  the  inter- 
ruptions which  commerce  recently  sustained,  and  the  re- 
moteness of  the  empire  of  Burmah,  they  have,  as  yet, 
received  no  letter  from  brother  Judson,  since  his  adop- 
tion as  their  missionary.  They  are  daily  expecting  the 


pleasure,  and  hope  to  be  able  in  future  reports  to  present 
intelligence  that  may  inform  the  inquisitive  and  encourage 
and  gratify  the  pious  mind.  In  the  mean  time  they  are 
happy  it  is  in  their  power  to  present  extracts  from  private 
letters,  which  announce  the  safe  arrival  of  brother  Judson 
and  wife  at  Rangoon,  and  the  prospect  of  usefulness  which 
is  opening  upon  them.  The  communications  of  sister 
Judson,  although  designed  merely  as  effusions  of  filial  and 
social  affection,  breathe  so  much  of  the  spirit  of  the  saint 
and  the  missionary,  as  to  convince  the  Board  that  they 
will  be  perused  with  peculiar  pleasure.  Mr.  Felix  Carey, 
a  worthy  son  of  the  excellent  Dr.  Carey,  may  be  viewed 
as  an  associate  of  brother  Judson.  For,  though  in  conse- 
quence of  his  high  medical  information,  at  the  direction 
of  the  Emperor  of  the  Burmans,  his  residence  has  been 
removed  to  Ava,  in  the  north  of  the  empire,  his  heart  is 
intent  on  the  introduction  of  the  gospel  into  those  habi- 
tations of  ignorance,  cruelty  and  wretchedness,  which  the 
empire  every  where  exhibits.  The  Board  have  heard  with 
pleasure  that  his  influence  has  procured  permission  for  a 
printing-press,  sacred  to  missionary  endeavours,  to  be  set 
up  and  put  into  motion  at  Ava.  Intercourse  between  Ran- 
goon and  Ava,  it  is  believed  is  easy  and  direct.  Some  in- 
formation respecting  the  country  into  which  their  mis- 
sionary brother  has,  by  the  hand  of  Providence,  been 
introduced,  the  Board  offer  to  the  reader  in  the  present 
number. 

Among  the  numerous  and  increasing  establishments 
for  the  spread  of  evangelical  truth,  which  have  engaged 
the  attention  of  the  observant  christian,  none  perhaps  has 
presented  a  less  ostentatious  origin,  none  been  marked 
with  a  more  laborious,  self-denying  and  judicious  advance, 
none  crowned  with  more  favoured  and  extensive  suc- 
cesses than  the  mission  at  Serampore.  A  brief  statement 
of  the  progress  of  their  translations  of  the  Bible,  and  of 


the  blessing  which  the  God  of  mercy  has  poured  on  their 
holy  enterprises,  lately  received  from  England,  will  awaken 
love  for  the  instruments  and  praise  to  the  power  that  em- 
ploys them.  Among  the  chief  agents  in  the  origination  and 
promotion  of  that  mission,  are  the  names  of  Carey,  Marsh- 
man  and  Ward,  now  in  India,  and  Fuller,  Ryland  and 
Sutcliff  of  England.  The  last,  one  of  the  most  excellent 
of  men,  has  lately  finished  his  course.  He  died,  beloved 
and  lamented  by  many.  The  consolation  is  precious,  that 
the  residue  of  the  spirit  is  with  the  Lord.  He  can  supply 
the  deficiencies  which  death,  or  any  other  occurrence,  can 
occasion. 

It  is  a  truth  which  experience  has  amply  confirmed  that 
a  spirit  for  foreign  missions  has  an  excellent  influence 
©n  those  which  are,  as  to  the  extent  of  their  design,  do- 
mestic. Nor  is  this  surprising.  When  the  human  mind 
proposes  to  itself  measures  on  a  narrowed  scale,  it  is  con- 
tent with  a  few  feeble  efforts  to  attain  them;  but  enlarged 
designs  naturally  awaken  enlarged  exertions.  When  the 
people  of  Israel  saw  their  monarch  preparing  near  his  own 
habitation,  a  place  for  the  tabernacle,  it  is  probable  they 
left  the  work  almost  entirely  to  himself;  but  when  he  con- 
ceived and  announced  his  purpose  to  erect  a  magnificent 
temple  to  the  Lord,  the  chief  of  the  fathers,  the  princes 
of  the  tribes  and  all  the  people  poured  into  the  treasury,  in 
vast  abundance,  their  brass,  and  their  silver,  their  precious 
stones  and  their  gold.  With  equal  ease  the  sun  throws  his 
beams  on  the  remotest  planets,  and  on  those  that  are  near 
him.  Real  christians  are  the  light  of  the  world.  It  is  as 
impossible  in  the  regions  of  grace  as  in  nature,  that 
light  can  stream  to  objects  far  removed  without  irradiat- 
ing such  as  intevene.  The  spirit  of  the  gospel  resembles  its 
source.  It  embraces  peace  to  them  that  are  afar  off,  and 
to  them  that  are  nigh.  Foreign  missions  are  in  reality 
only  domestic  missions  extended,'— -the  sound  which  has 


been  uttered  on  the  frontiers  of  a  country,  going  out  into 
all  lands.  The  Board  will  take  pleasure  in  announcing  the 
existence  and  prosperity  of  home  missions,  in  proportion 
as  they  succeed  in  obtaining  intelligence. 

The  present  are  eventful  times.  Occurrences  which  the 
world  has  lately  witnessed,  have  appeared  more  like  vi- 
sions than  facts.  If  the  shaking  of  the  nations  be  one  of 
the  signs  of  the  coming  of  the  Lord,  what  hopes  may  not 
the  friends  of  the  gospel  cherish!  The  church  of  Christ  has 
herself  assumed  an  attitude  peculiarly  interesting.  She  is 
looking  forth  as  the  morning  on  the  people  that  are  sitting 
in  darkness,  and  thousands  are  rejoicing  at  the  brightness 
of  her  rising.  She  is  gratuitously  offering  the  volume  of 
inspiration,  in  almost  every  language,  to  thankful  mul- 
titudes. She  is  asking  her  sons  and  her  daughters  to  share 
in  the  glorious  attempt.  To  every  covetous,  supine  or  un- 
friendly professor,  her  voice  is,  "  if  thou  altogether  holdest 
thy  peace,  at  this  time,  then  shall  enlargement  and  deli- 
verance arise  to  the  Jews  from  another  place"  and  to  the 
Gentiles  also. 

In  the  heart  of  every  real  christian  exists  the  germ  of 
holy  benevolence.  It  requires  only  to  become  evolved  by 
events,  to  render  it  productive  of  abundant  fruit.  Through 
almost  all  the  Baptist  Associations  in  the  United  States, 
with  an  influence  gentle  and  bounteous  as  the  spring,  the 
mission  spirit  has  diffused  itself.  A  whole  and  large  deno- 
mination of  christians,  animated  with  zeal  for  the  salvation 
of  millions,  systematizing  plans  for  wide  and  permanent 
usefulness,  and  imploring  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  on  their 
endeavours  to  spread  the  glory  of  his  name,  presents  a 
scene  as  encouraging  as  it  is  novel.  Christians  of  almost 
every  name  are  imbibing  the  spirit  of  apostles;  a  spirit  not 
of  a  capricious  description,  like  the  fashion  of  a  day,  but 
originated  by  principles  wise  and  holy,  active  and  im- 
mortal. 


That  the  Divine  majesty,  whose  way  is  in  the  sea  and 
whose  paths  are  in  the  deep  waters,  should  sometimes 
permit  events  to  occur  that  appear  adverse  to  the  expec- 
tations and  aims  of  his  people,  should  excite  no  astonish- 
ment. By  incidents  of  this  character,  he  exhibits  the  frailty 
of  his  creatures,  he  instructs  them  that  in  his  whole  go- 
vernment he  is  himself  the  sovereign;  he  invites  the 
exercise  of  an  unreserved  confidence  in  him  alone,  and 
triumphs  over  their  fears  by  evincing  in  the  result  that 
occurrences  of  the  most  disastrous  aspect  were  intended 
to  issue  in  the  accomplishment  of  the  most  glorious  de- 
signs. Providence  and  prophecy,  the  conduct  and  the 
language  of  Jehovah  can  never  militate  against  each  other. 
The  kingdoms  of  this  world  must  become  and  are  becom- 
ing the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of  his  Christ. 

Are  motives  required  for  missionary  activity?  In  his 
own  character  and  the  obligations  it  imposes,  the  good 
man  will  find  a  host.  Let  him  contemplate  the  multiplied 
sorrows  of  them  who  are  worshipping  gods  of  clay  and 
silver,  and  surely  his  heart  must  melt  in  pity.  Let  him 
consider  with  what  ease  God  can  chastise  his  disobedient 
and  slothful  servants,  by  divesting  them  of  that  property 
with  which  they  are  entrusted,  a  hundredth  part  of 
which  they  will  not  employ  for  his  glory,  or  by  suspend- 
ing those  sacred  consolations  which  are  the  christian's 
most  delightful  support.  Let  him  reflect  on  the  trivial 
sums  which  at  his  hand  are  solicited,  and  contrast  them 
with  the  immense  expenditure  of  the  Son  of  God,  for  his 
everlasting  salvation.  Let  him  estimate  the  aggregate 
which  the  accumulations  of  the  small  contributions  of 
thousands  must  produce,  and  the  good  it  promises  with  a 
Divine  blessing  to  accomplish.  Let  him  appreciate  the 
honour  the  Lord  sheds  on  his  servants  in  making  them 
"  fellow- workers"  with  himself.  Let  him  read  the  priva- 
tions, the  afflictions,  the  martyrdoms  of  the  missionaries 
of  Christ,  and  the  harvest  of  blessings  which  have  sprung 


from  the  seed  which,  with  tears,  they  scattered.  Let  him 
recollect  the  brevity  of  human  life,  the  months  that  are 
gone  for  ever,  in  which  he  has  done  so  little  in  the  noblest 
of  causes;  and  that  only  during  the  few  remaining  hours 
of  his  existence,  it  is  possible  for  him  to  work.  Let  him 
anticipate  the  pleasure  of  meeting  those  among  the  blessed 
in  heaven,  to  whose  conversion  to  God  his  self  denying 
benevolence  has,  been  instrumental — but  why  multiply 
motive.  The  terrors  of  hell,  the  joys  of  heaven,  the  ines- 
timable worth  of  the  soul,  the  establishment  of  the  Son 
of  God  in  ordaining  the  publication  of  his  Gospel,  the  rod 
of  his  strength,  and  especially  the  signs  of  the  times  call 
on  the  saints,  as  with  a  voice  of  thunder,  to  associate  their 
counsels,  contributions  and  labour,  and  to  appear  before 
the  throne,  offering  the  daily,  united,  and  prevailing  prayer, 
Lord  let  thy  kingdom  come! 


B 


10 


SUBSTANCE  OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE  BOARD 
FOR  THE  YEAR  PAST. 

FOR  the  information  of  such  us  did  not  receive  the  former 
publication  ot  the  Board,  it  may  be  remarked  that,  in  May  1814 
a  number  of  delegates  from  Mission  Societies  in  Massachusetts, 
Rhode  Island,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware, 
Maryland,  District  of  Columbia,  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  South 
Carolina  and  Georgia,  met  at  Philadelphia,  for  the  purpose  of  corn- 
combining  their  efforts  to  send  the  gospel  among  the  heathen; 
and  formed  The  General  Missionary  Convention  of  the  Baptist 
Denomination  in  the  United  States  of  America  for  Foreign 
Missions. 

The  Constitution  directs,  that  this  Convention  be  held  once  in 
three  years,  composed  of  delegates  not  exceeding  two  from  each 
Society  that  contributes  at  least  one  hundred  dollars  annually  to  the 
general  fund;  and  that,  during  its  recess,  the  business  be  transacted 
by  a  number  of  persons  chosen  by  the  Convention,  to  be  called 
The  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  for  the  United  States. 

It  is  the  duty  of  this  Board,  according  to  the  constitution,  to 
employ  missionaries,  determine  the  field  of  their  labours,  and  the 
compensation  to  be  allowed  them;  to  publish  accounts,  from  time- 
to  time,  of  their  transactions,  and  an  annual  address  to  the  public; 
and  in  general  to  conduct  the  executive  part  of  the  missionary 
concern. 

The  Board,  at  their  first  meeting,  elected  Dr.  Baldwin,  of  Boston, 
President;  Drs  Rogers  and  Holcomb-,  of  Philadelphia,  Vice-Presi- 
dents; Mr.  John  Cauldwell,  of  New  York,  Treasurer;  Dr.  Staughton, 
of  Philadelphia,  Corresponding  Secretary;  and  Rev.  Mr.  White,  of 
Philadelphia,  Recording  Secretary. 

The  Board  undertook  the  patronage  of  Rev.  Luther  Rice  as 
their  missionary,  to  continue  his  itinerant  services  in  these  United 
States  for  a  reasonable  time;  and  also  the  patronage  and  support  of 
Rev.  Adoniram  Judson.  now  in  India,  as  a  missionary  under  their 
care  and  direction;  for  whose  use  they  ordered  one  thousand  dollars  to 
be  transmitted  to  India  by  the  earliest  opportunity. 
The  Board  agreed  to  hold  their  meetings  quarterly. 
At  a  meeting  of  the  Board,  June  15,  1814 — Voted  to  supply 
brother  Rice  with  credentials,  stating  his  appointment  under  the 
patronage  of  the  Board,  the  object  of  his  itineracies  and  labours 
in  this  country,  and  recommending  him  to  the  favour  of  the  people 
wherever,  in  pursuing  the  openings  of  Providence,  he  may  direct 
his  course. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting  of  the  Board,  September  9th,  1814 — 
Information  was  received  that  the  one  thousand  dollars  ordered 
for  brother  Judson  in  India  had  been  by  a  favourable  opportunity 
forwarded  for  his  use  and  support. 

Voted  to  request  the  several  Missionary  Societies  to  forward 
the  monies  in  their  hands  to  the  general  Treasurer. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting  of  the  Board,  March  6,  1815 — Commu- 
nications from  many  Associations  and  individuals,  evincing  a  dispo- 


11 

ailion  to  aid  the  benevolent  purpose  of  imparting  the  knowledge  of 
Christ  to  the  heathen,  were  placed  before  the  Board  by  the  Corres- 
ponding Secretary. 

Voted  that  one  thousand  dollars  be  transmitted  to  India  for  the 
support  of  brother  and  sister  Judson. 

Voted  that  all  communications  to  the  Board  be  made  through  the 
Corresponding  Secretary. 

Voted  that  brethren  Staughton,  Rogers,  and  White,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  ascertain  and  report  the  probable  expense  of  supporting 
each  missionary  in  India. 

Voted  that  brother  G.  H.  Hough,  who  made  application  to  be  em- 
ployed as  a  missionary  in  the  service  of  the  Board,  be  requested 
by  the  Corresponding  Secretary,  to  appear  at  the  next  meeting  of 
the  Board  for  examination;  and  that  his  expenses  in  coming  to  Phila- 
delphia for  this  purpose  be  defrayed  out  of  the  general  fund. 
i  The  Board  regretted  that  Mr.  Elton,  who  had  contemplated 
devoting  his  life  to  missionary  labours,  found  himself  under  the 
necessity,  for  want  of  health,  of  declining  this  service.  No  doubt 
was  entertained  of  his  possessing  the  requisite  talents  and  piety  for 
such  a  station. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Board,  April  11,  1815 — A  communication 
from  brother  Rice  was  received  relative  to  his  exertions  and  their 
results. 

Voted  that  the  Treasurer  be  directed  to  settle  with  brother  Rice, 
and  pay  him  the  balance  that  may  be  due  for  his  services  and 
expenditures. 

The  examination  of  brother  Hough  took  place,  and  afforded  very 
great  satisfaction — on  which 

Voted  to  accept  him  as  a  missionary  destined  for  India,  to  join 
brother  Judson  at  Rangoon  as  soon  as  practicable. 

Voted  that  brother  Hough  be  publicly  and  solemnly  set  apart  at  a 
suitable  time  for  the  missionary  service. 

Voted  that  two  hundred  dollars  be  ordered  for  the  immediate  use 
of  brother  Hough,  towards  defraying  the  expense  of  his  journey  to 
Philadelphia,  and  other  contingent  expenses,  while  endeavouring  to 
find  opportunity  of  a  passage  to  India. 

It  was  the  sentiment  of  the  Board  that  however  desirable  it  might 
be  for  brother  Rice  to  return  immediately  to  India,  pursuant  to  his 
own  wishes  to  be  re-associated  with  brother  Judson,  and  the  wishes 
of  the  Board  to  avail  themselves  of  his  services  in  the  Burman  em- 
pire, yet,  such  is  the  actual  posture  of  the  missionary  business  in  this 
country,  and  the  course  clearly  indicated  by  an  over-ruling  and 
all-wise  Providence,  as,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Board,  imperiously  to 
require  his  longer  detention  and  farther  labours  here — therefore 

Voted  that  brother  Rice  for  some  time  longer  continue  his  labours 
as  an  agent  of  this  Board,  subject  however  to  such  openings  in  Pro- 
vidence, and  such  success  attendant  on  his  labour,  as  in  the  judg- 
ment of  the  Board  may  render  his  continuance  in  this  country  no 
longer  requisite,  and  his  removal  to  a  missionary  station  requisite  and 
proper. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Board,  April  27,  1815 — Voted  that  brethren 
Staughton,  Holcombe,  and  White,  be  a  committee,  to  provide  for  an 


12 

outfit,  and  to  procure  a  passage  for  brother  Hough  and  family,  for 
India. 

Voted  that  thirty-six  dollars  and  eighty-five  and  a  half  cents  be 
ordered  for  the  purpose  of  meeting  the  expense  of  procuring  and 
forwarding  certain  books,  &c.  for  brother  Judson. 

Voted  that  the  annual  publication  of  the  Board  be  printed  without 
delay. 


To  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign 
Missions  for  the  United  States. 

Dear  Sir, 

The  period  has  arrived  when  it  becomes  my  duty  to  render  a 
detailed  account  of  my  labours  and  their  results  in  the  service 
of  the  Board  since  the  meeting  of  the  Baptist  General  Mis- 
sionary Convention. 

Previously  to  leaving  this  city,  I  had  the  particular  satisfac- 
tion of  being  present  at  the  formation  of  The  Sansom  Street 
Baptist  Female  Society  for  Promoting  Foreign  Evangelical  Mis- 
sions. While  in  New  York  not  long  after,  the  honourable  Judge 
Tallmadge  had  the  goodness  to  suggest  improvements  to  the 
model  of  a  constitution  intended  as  the  basis  of  societies  through 
the  interior  of  the  country ;  which  model  may  be  seen  by  the 
Board  in  the  constitutions  of  mission  societies  since  actually 
formed. 

Arriving  at  Hartford,  Con.  late  in  July,  it  afforded  me  great 
pleasure  to  find  the  way  prepared  for  the  adoption  of  measures 
immediately  to  bring  about  the  formation  of  a  mission  society 
in  that  quarter.  Rev.  Mr.  Cushman,  pursuant  to  the  unanimous 
voice  of  the  church,  of  which  he  is  pastor,  issued  a  circular  to  the 
brethren  and  friends  of  our  denomination  in  the  state,  soliciting 
their  attendance  at  a  meeting  in  Hartford,  the  31st  August,  for 
the  purpose  of  organizing  a  missionary  society.   Meanwhile  I 
thought  proper  to  make  an  excursion  into  Vermont,  from  which, 
having  ascertained  the  prospect  to  be  favourable  in  that  direc- 
tion, I  returned  to  be  present  at  the  meeting  just  mentioned,  and 
had  the  pleasure  of  assisting  in  the  formation  of  The  Connec- 
ticut Society  Auxiliary  to  the  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions. 
No  instance  of  this  nature,  unless  perhaps  the  formation  of  Fe- 
male Societies,  has  imparted  to  me  greater  satisfaction  than  the 
manner  in  which  our  brethren  in  this  quarter  have  taken  hold  of 
the  missionary  business.  At  the  very  threshold,  a  circumstance 
which  I   cannot  without  violence  to  my  feelings  abstain  from 
gratefully  announcing,  the  society  received  by  letter  religious 
assurances  of  one  hundred  dollars  a  vear  from  an  individual  for 


at  least  four  years.  The  name  was  requested  not  to  be  mentioned 
in  the  proceedings,  except  as  "  A  Friend  to  Foreign  Missions." 

At  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  the  Ancient  Order  of  the  Six 
Principles  of  the  Doctrine  of  Christ,  held  at  Johnson,  Rhode 
Island,  it  was  gratifying  to  observe  the  pious  regard  with  which 
the  subject  of  sending  the  gospel  to  the  heathen  was  taken  into 
religious  deliberation.  Before  the  Warren  Association,  held  in 
Providence,  a  missionary  sermon  was  delivered,  and  a  collection 
taken  to  aid  the  funds  of  the  Board.  After  meeting  the  Boston 
Association,  whose  zeal  in  the  missionary  cause  is  well  known, 
it  afforded  me  much  pleasure  at  the  session  of  the  Woodstock 
Association,  held  in  Westmoreland,  N.  H.,  to  aid  in  forming, 
on  the  29th  September,  The  Union  Society  in  Vermont  and  Nnv 
Hampshire,  Auxiliary  to  the  Baptist  Board  for  Foreign  Missions. 
The  week  following,  a  missionary  sermon  was  delivered  by  me 
before  the  Vermont  Association  at  Brandon,  and  a  collection 
taken  to  aid  the  general  fund.  At  the  close  of  the  session,  6th 
October,  was  formed  The  Vermont  Society,  Auxiliary  to  the  Bap- 
tist Board  for  Foreign  Missions.  Before  the  Leyden  Association, 
met  at  Halifax,  Vt.,  the  next  week,  another  opportunity  was 
afforded  me  to  plead  the  cause  of  the  poor  heathen,  and  a  public 
collection  was  made  for  the  purpose  of  assisting  the  measures 
in  operation  for  imparting  to  them  the  gospel.  Connected  with 
this  Association,  had  been  formed  a  few  years  since  The  Country 
Baptist  Missionary  Society,  whose  object  principally,  though 
not  exclusively,  was  domestic  missions.  At  the  close  of  the  ses- 
sion, the  13th  October,  some  additional  articles  to  the  constitu- 
tion were,  at  my  instance,  adopted  for  the  purpose  of  augment- 
ing its  activity,  extending  its  regard  to  the  wretched  condition 
of  the  heathen,  and  its  taking  rank  among  the  foreign  mission 
societies,  but  without,  in  the  least  degree,  lessening  its  attention 
to  the  object  primarily  contemplated  in  its  formation.  Before 
the  Dublin  Association  the  ensuing  week,  in  Swansy,  N.  H., 
the  delightful  office  was  again  assigned  me  to  preach  upon  the 
subject  of  missions,  and  a  public  collection  was  taken  for  mis- 
sionary purposes.  Near  the  close  of  the  session,  the  20th  Octo- 
ber, was  formed  The  Dublin  Society  Auxiliary  to  the  Baptist 
Board  of  Foreign  Missions. 

As  no  other  Associations  were  to  meet  at  points  in  which  it 
would  be  practicable  for  me  to  be  present  with  them,  having  hud 
opportunity  of  preaching  a  few  missionary  sermons  in  different 
places  in  the  country,  and  having  returned  to  Boston,  the  Board 
of  The  Baptist  Society  for  propagating  the  Gospel  in  India  and 
other  foreign  parts,  requested  me  to  deliver  the  annual  mis- 
sionary sermon  before  that  society.  The  collection  on  the  occa- 
sion, notwithstanding  the  pressure  of  public  burdens  and  cala- 
mities at  the  time,  amounted  to  185  dollars. 


14 

Soon  after  this,  the  course  of  Providential  openings,  led  me 
again  into  Rhode  Island;  and  it  was  conceived  to  be  practicable 
and  proper  for  a  mission  society  to  be  formed  in  that  state  in  the 
counties  of  Newport  and  Bristol,  and  some  adjacent  places. 
For  this  purpose  it  was  thought  advisable  for  me  to  issue  a  cir- 
cular, requesting  a  meeting  to  be  held  at  Bristol,  7th  December, 
at  the  house  of  Kev.  Mr.  Bates.  A  sufficient  number  of  persons 
being  assembled,  The  Evangelical  Society  of  Bristol  and  Nerv- 
port  Counties,  R.  I.,  Auxiliary  to  the  Baptist  Board  for  Foreign 
Missions  was  duly  organized.  A  missionary  sermon  was,  of 
course,  preached  upon  the  occasion,  and  a  collection  taken  for 
missionary  purposes. 

My  attention  was  immediately  directed  thence  to  the  south- 
easterly section  of  Massachusetts.  By  appointment  and  request, 
a  meeting  was  held  at  the  house  of  Major  Levi  Pierce,  near  the 
Four  Corners  in  Middleboro,  29th  December,  on  which  occasion 
was  formed  The  United  Society  of  Plymouth  County  and  vicini- 
ties Auxiliary  to  the  Baptist  Board  for  Foreign  Missions,  spread- 
ing over  the  counties  of  Plymouth,  Bristol,  and  Barnstable,  and 
some  adjacent  places  in  the  same  state.  Missionary  sermon  and 
a  collection  as  usual. 

The  4th  January  1815,  a  missionarv  sermon  was  delivered  by 
me  in  Beverly,  Mass.,  by  request,  at  the  annual  meeting  of  The 
Salem  Bible  Translation  and  Foreign  Mission  Society,  and  a  col- 
lection was  taken  to  aid  their  funds; — the  regular  annual  mis- 
sionary sermon  and  collection  had  been  previously  attended  to 
in  Salem.  / 

What  next  engaged  my  attention  was  the  central  section  in 
Massachusetts.  Associated  with  brother  Daniel  Chessman,  who, 
although,  in  consequence  of  a  weakness  of  the  lungs,  not  able  to 
preach,  has  afforded  great  assistance  in  the  business,  we  proceed- 
ed into  Worcester  County,  and  visited  many  of  the  ministers  and 
other  brethren  in  that  region.  A  meeting  was  requested,  and  ac- 
cordingly held,  at  the  house  of  Deacon  James  Wilson,  in  Worces- 
ter, on  which  occasion  was  formed  The  Society  for  Worcester 
County  and  vicinity  Auxiliary  to  the  Baptist  Board  for  Foreign 
Missions.  Sermon  and  collection  for  missionary  purposes,  as  in 
other  cases  of  a  similar  nature.  After  spending  a  short  time  in 
that  quarter,  with  a  view  to  extend  the  operations,  and  promote 
the  activity  of  this  Society,  I  set  out,  having  still  the  favour  of 
brother  Chessman's  company,  for  this  city.  In  New  York  I  was 
detained  a  few  days  to  attend  the  annual  meeting  of  The  New 
Tork  Baptist  Society  for  the  Support  of  Foreign  Missions,  whose 
Board  of  Directors  requested  of  me  a  missionary  sermon.  The 
New  Tork  Baptist  Female  Society  for  Promoting  Foreign  Mis- 
sions, conferred  upon  me  the  honour  of  preaching  the  annual 


15 

missionary  sermon  before  that  Society  also.  On  both  these  occa- 
sions public  collections  were  taken  to  aid  the  mission  fund. 

The  3d  May  afforded  me  the  pleasure  of  attending  at  New 
Mills  the  annual  meeting  of  The  Baptist  Foreign  Missionary 
Society  of  Nexv  Jersey,  and  of  preaching  a  missionary  sermon  on 
the  occasion,  after  which  a  collection  was  taken  for  missions. 
The  10th  and  11th,  I  experienced  much  satisfaction  at  the  ses- 
sion of  the  New  York  Association  in  the  Baptist  meeting  house 
in  Gold  street,  New  York  city;  particularly,  as  the  subject  of 
missions  proposed  by  me,  as  Agent  of  the  Board,  was  attended 
to  in  a  manner  highly  gratifying,  a  missionary  sermon  requested 
by  the  Association,  and  a  public  collection  taken  for  the  mission 
fund.  The  formation  of  two  mission  societies  was  recommended, 
and  will  probably  soon  take  place. 

Besides  the  Societies,  at  whose  formation,  since  the  meeting 
of  the  Convention,  a  kind  Providence  has  conferred  on  me  the 
favour  of  being  present,  several  others  have  been  formed.  At 
Troy,  23d  July,  The  Baptist  Society  in  Troy  for  Propagating 
the  Gospel  in  India  and  other  Foreign  Parts.  At  Utica,  N.  Y., 
15th  or  16th  August,  The  Utica  Baptist  Society  to  aid  in  foreign 
ynissions  and  in  translating  the  Scriptures  into  the  languages  of 
the  heathen.  At  Poughkeepsie,  19th  October,  The  New  Tor  A 
Middle  District  Society  Auxiliary  to  the  Baptist  Beard  of  Foreign 
Missions. — One  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  whose  constitution  has  not 
yet  come  to  hand,  and  also,  a  Female  Mission  Society  at  the 
same  place.  In  the  South,  it  is  probable  another  Society  has,  before 
this  time,  been  organized.  A  meeting  for  this  purpose  was  ap- 
pointed by  the  Georgia  Association,  to  be  held  5th  April,  in 
Powelton,  Hancock  County,  Geo.  Something  has  been  said, 
and  perhaps,  done,  relative  to  the  origination  of  another  in  North 
Carolina.  In  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  a  Female  Mission  Society 
has  been  formed.  A  day  is  appointed  also  to  complete  the  regu- 
lar organization  of  one  in  the  same  place,  mentioned  in  the  Pro- 
ceedings of  the  Convention,  p.  37.  The  Baptist  Mission  Society 
of  Frederick  County,  Virginia,  was  formed  25th  March,  1814. 
The  Corresponding  Secretary  has  recently  forwarded  a  copy  of 
their  constitution,  and  also  seventy  dollars,  from  the  society, 
inclosed  in  a  letter,  in  which  he  observes — u  We  feel  a  happiness 
in  believing  that  God  is  making  use  of  Bible  and  Mission 
Societies,  to  shed  the  light  of  his  grace  upon  the  eastern,  western, 
and  other  benighted  parts  of  our  world,  and  desire  to  participate 
in  the  glorious  work." 

Besides  these,  The  Boston  Female  Society  for  Missionary  Pur- 
poses, organized  9th  October,  1800,  seems  to  have  anticipated 
the  present  state  of  things.  Impressed  with  the  obligation  of  the 
Saviour's  command,  quoted  in  the  title  page  of  their  constitu- 
tion— "  Go  ye  into  all  the  world  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  ever?' 


16 

creature" — and  solicitous  to  aid  its  accomplishment,  these  ex- 
cellent ladies  "formed  themselves  into  a  Society — for  the  express 
purpose  of  aiding  missions."  Contemplating  thus,  in  its  origin, 
the  general  diffusion  of  the  gospel  by  efforts  of  this  nature,  this 
Society  has  since  manifested  that  liberal  and  pious  regard  to  the 
foreign  mission*,  and  will,  no  doubt,  continue  to  afford  that  as- 
sistance to  the  funds  of  the  Board,  which  should,  unquestiona- 
bly, entitle  to  a  place  among  those  societies  that  compose  the 
General  Missionary  Convention.  So  that  it  appears  fair  to  reckon 
the  societies  of  this  kind  in  the  United  States,  at  present,  at 
thirty-four  or  five,  with  the  expectation  that  several  others 
will  soon  be  formed.  In  this  place,  also,  indulge  me  the  plea- 
sure of  noticing  The  Mite  Society  in  Providence,  Rhode  Island. 
This  was  formed  by  ladies  of  the  Baptist  connexion,  11th  No- 
vember, 1806,  and  has  since  collected  more  than  eight  hundred 
dollars  for  missionary  purposes.  At  the  southward  similar  so- 
cieties are  in  operation.  The  Wadmalaxu  and  Edisto  Female  Mite 
Society  at  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  appears  in  the  "  Proceed- 
ings" of  the  late  Convention  among  the  contributors  to  the  funds 
of  the  Board;  and  again  on  the  minutes  of  the  Charleston  Asso- 
ciation, since,  in  the  same  character.  From  numerous  other 
Mite  Societies,  and  from  Cent  Societies,  in  various  parts  of  our 
country,  much  aid  may  be  expected..  I  regret  the  want  of  suffi- 
ciently accurate  information  to  enable  me  to  furnish  such  de- 
scriptions of  them,  as  their  praise-worthy  zeal  for  diffusing  the 
light  and  influence  of  Christianity  so  justly  claims,  while  at  the 
same  time  it  would  afford  refined  satisfaction  to  render  to  them 
severally  this  tribute  of  respect  and  gratitude.  Such  amiable  as- 
sociations can  never  be  contemplated  by  a  missionary,  but  with 
emotions  peculiarly  pleasing — particularly  will  the  sisters  in  the 
mission  derive  from  this  source  at  once,  undissembled  felicita- 
tions and  animating  support, — while  the  example,  too,  impres- 
sively says  to  others — go  ye  and  do  likewise. 

The  collections  alluded  to  in  the  preceding  statement,  as  taken 
on  occasions  of  my  preaching  upon  the  subject  of  missions, 
amounting  to  more  than  five  hundred  dollars,  have  not  come  into 
my  hands,  but  have  gone  into  the  treasuries  of  the  societies,  in 
hose  vicinities,  respectively,  the  collections  were  made.  But  many 
sums  have  come  into  my  possession,  by  various  public  collec- 
tions, and  from  numerous  individuals,  the  particular  account  of 
which  permit  me  now  to  present. 

*  See  Baptist  Missionary  Magazine,  p.  381. 


17 


MONIES  RECEIVED,  VIZ: 
1814.  D.    C. 

June  28,       By  Mr.  Holmes  for  a  Sabbath  at  Lower  Dublin 

and  Holmesburg,         -         -         -  4  00 

August  1,    By  a  letter  at  Hartford,  from  "  A  Friend  to 

Foreign  Missions"  -  -  3  00 

9,     By  letter  from  Mrs.  Bradley,  Windsor,  Vt.       -         5  00 

10,     By  Mr.  Benjamin  Stevens,  Cornwall,  Vt.  1  00 

15,  By  collection  in  the  C.  House,  Middlebury,  Vt.        19  00 

16,  By  Esquire  Parks,  Middlebury,  Vt.  -  I   50 
18,     By  Rev.  Mr.  Kendrick,         do.           ...         o  50 

By  Deacon  Rogers,  do.  -  1  00 

21,     By  collection  in  the  cong.  M.  H.  Windsor,  Vt.      16  20 
26,     By  Gen.  A.  Forbes,  Windsor,  Vt.        -         -  100  00 

Sept.     1,     By  Mr.  Wells,  from  a  widow,   1   dollar,  and 

from  himself  and  others,  1  dollar,         -  -  2  00 

2,  By  an  anonymous  letter  put  into  my  hands  by 

Deacon  Bolles,  Hartford,  Con. 

3,  By  a  Lady,  Middletown,  Con.        - 
By  another  Lady,         do.         - 
By  another    do.  do.  - 
By  the  hand  of  Mrs.  Phippen,  enclosed  in  a  note, 

4,  By  Mr.  Button,  North  Haven,  Con. 

13,  By  the  hand  of  Mr.  M'Clellan,  from  a  Female 

Society  in  Grafton,  Ms.  .... 
By  collection  at  the  Warren  Asso.  Prov.,  R.  I. 
By  a  Lady  afterwards,         do.  - 

By  the  hand  of  Rev.  Mr.  Winchell,  do. 
By  Mrs.  Waterman,  from  a  widow,  do. 
By  another  person,  do. 

1 4,  By  Rev.  Mr.  Conant,  from  Ladies,  Marshfield,  Ms.   1 6  00 
By  the  hand  of  Rev.  Ebenezer  Briggs,  from 

sisters  of  Fourth  Bap.  Ch.,  Middleboro,  Ms. 
By  Mr.  Ezra  Blake,  Wrentham,  Ms. 
By  Mr.  Henry  Hancock,  same  place, 

15,  By  letter  from  a  female  friend  of  missions  at 

New  Haven,  Con.         ...  -  2  00 

16,  By  a  few  persons  at  the  Academy  Hall,  Mid- 

dleborough,  Ms.        -  -         -  -  3  00 

25,  By  a  Lady,  Londonderry,  N.  H.  at  the  house 

of  Mr.  Caleb  Gooden,  after  a  lecture 

26,  By  the  hand  of  Mr.  Gooden,  Londonderry,  N.  H. 

28,  By  Miss  Jerusha  Jewett,  of  Putney,  Vt. 

29,  By  Mr.  B.  Westmoreland,  N.  H. 

30,  By  Captain  Daniel  Mason,  Rockingham,  Vt. 
By  Deacon  Benjamin  Smith,  do. 
By  another  person,          -         -           do.     - 

Oct.       6,     By  a  Lady,  Brandon,  Vt. 

Amount  carried  forward,     g299  32 

c 


c 

00 

6 

00 

4 

00 

1 

00 

1 

00 

1 

00 

12 

00 

76 

36 

1 

00 

1 

00 

0 

50 

2 

00 

16 

00 

7 

00 

3 

00 

1 

00 

0 

25 

[.      1 

00 

2 

00 

0 

25 

1 

00 

0 

50 

0 

25 

1 

00 

18 

i8U,  D.  C. 

Amount  brought  forward,     299  31 
Oct.       7,     By  the  hand  of  Rev.  Mr.  Going,  from  Mrs. 

Fletcher,  Cavendish,  Vt.                -         -         -  I  00 

9,     By  collection  in  the  congregational  M.  H. 
Keane,*N.H. 

10,  By  a  Gentleman  of  the  same  place, 
By  the  hand  of  a  young  gentleman,  from  a 

Lady  or  Ladies,         - 
By  two  Ladies,  50  cents,  and  another  Lady  20, 

19,  By  Mr.  G.,  from  a  Lady,  Sullivan,  N.  H. 
21,     By  Mr.  Everett,  from  a  Lady,  Chesterfield,  N.  H. 

23,  By  Mr.  Smith,  of  Colerain,  Ms. 

24,  By  Mr.  M'Clellan,  do. 
Nov.      8,  By  Mr.  Chase,  for  an  exchange  of  bank  bills, 

1 1,  By  Treas'r.  of  the  B.  S.  for  propagating  the  Gospel 

in  India,  Sec.  to  defray  travelling  expenses,  kc. 
13,     By  the  church  in  Beverly,  for  preaching,     - 

15,  By  four  little  children  in  Danvers,  Ms. 
By  collection  in  Rev.  Mr.  Chaplin's  M.  H. 

Danvers,  Ms.  .... 

By  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chaplin,  from  a  poor  widow,  do. 

16,  By  Mrs.  Chaplin,       -  -  -  do. 
By  Rev.  Mr.  Chaplin,           ...          do. 

20,  By  collection,  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

24,  By  Mrs.  Martyn,  Bristol,  R.  I. 

25,  By  Ladies  of  the  Baptist  connexion,  New 

Bedford,  Ms.  ... 

27,     By  collection  in  the  Bapt.  M.  H.  Warren,  R.  I. 

By  the  hand  of  Mr.  Allen,  for  Mrs.  Allen,     do. 
29,     By  Rev.  Mr.  Bates,  for  exchanging  bank  bills, 
Dec.     4,     By  collection  in  Newport,  R.I. 
Dec.      5,     By  Deacon  Tilly  and  his  Lady,  Newport,  R.  I. 

7,  By  Rev.  Mr.  Lewis,  of  Swansea,  Ms. 

8,  By  Mrs.  Munroe,  Bristol,  R.  I. 
By  Mrs.  Martyn,     do.  - 

21,  By  collection  in  Rev.  Mr.  Holmes'  M.  H. 

New  Bedford,  Ms.  -  -  -  15  40 

25,     By  collection  in  Rev.  Mr.  Judson's  M.  H. 

Plymouth,  Ms. 12  79 

27,     By  a   Lady  in    Rev.  Mr.  Abbott's   Society, 

Middleborough,  Ms.  ...  i  oo 


50 

60 

1 

00 

1 

00 

0 

70 

4 

00 

.  0 

50 

1 

00 

1 

00 

1 

i 

00 

l 
50 

00 

5 

00 

0 

35 

5 

01 

0 

25 

1 

10 

4 

00 

24 

00 

1 

00 

7 

52 

t25 

06 

0 

50 

1 

00 

f28 

20 

t2 

00 

0 

20 

10 

00 

3 

00 

Amount  carried  forward^     g558  59 

*  My  spending  a  Sabbath  in  this  place  was  without  any  previous  intention 
of  doing  so.  Being  politely  invited  to  preach,  and  understanding  that  a  third 
sermon  on  the  subject  of  missions  would  not  be  unacceptable,  it  was  wilb 
emotions  peculiarly  pleasing  1  received  from  thb  respectable  and  worthy  con- 
gregational society  their  willing  and  liberal  contribution.  The  pastor,  Rev.  Mr 
Hall,  deceased  about  two  months  before. 

\  These  sums  are  credited  to  the  E.  Society,  Bristol  and  Newport  counties. 
Rhode  Island  Auxiliary,  &c. 


24 

86 

9 

00 

4 

86 

0 

12 

2 

63 

0 

50 

10 

66 

0 

50 

6 

86 

4 

00 

1 

50 

42 

63 

10 

08 

23 

82 

19 

1815.  B.C. 

Amount  brought  forward,     558  *59 
Jan.       4,     By  Mrs.  Lamson,  from  a  Pemale  Society  in 

Beverly,  Mb.  -  -  -  -         15  00 

8,  By  a  collection  in  the  Rev.  Mr.  Codman's 

M.  H.  Dorchester,  Ms.  ... 

9,  By  a  Lady  of  the  same  place,         -.;-''- 
18,     By  collection  in  the  Bap.  M.  H.  Belchertown,  Ms. 
22,     By  a  Lady  in  West  Boylston,  Ms. 
31,     By  a  collection  in  a  school  house,  Hopkinton,  Ms. 

Feb.      1,     By  a  young  Lady  of  the  same  place,     - 

By  a  collection  in  the  Baptist  place  of  worship 
Westborough,  Ms.  - 

2,     By  Mr.  Haskall,  Northborough,  Ms. 

6,  By  collection  in  the  house  of  Deacon  Newton, 

after  lecture,  Paxton,  Ms.  -"■'-:- 

7,  By  Deacon  Winsor  Newton,  <lo. 
By  Deacon  Newton's  father,  do.     - 
By  coll.  in  Rev.  Mr.  Avery's  M.  H.  Holden,  Ms. 

8,  By  collection  in  Baptist  M.  H.  Belchertown,  Ms. 
12,    By  collection  in  Bap.  M.  H.  Harvard,  Ms. 
15,     By  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Biddle,  collected  at 

the  session  of  the  Neuse  Asso.  N.  C.  -         24  00 

17,     By  Mr.  Baily,  for  an  address  at  a  musical 

concert,  Boston,  Ms.  -  -  -         20  00 

,        22,     By  Treasurer  of  the  Society  for  Worcester 
county  and  vicinity,  Auxiliary,  Sic. 

24,  By  a  Lady,  Westspringfield,  Ms. 
27,     By  a  Lady,  Belchertown,  Ms. 

Mar.  28,     By  coll.  in  the  Bap.  M.  H.  near  Trenton,  N.  J. 
April    2,     By  collection  in   the   Baptist  M.  H.  New 
Brunswick,  N.  J. 
By  the  church  in  Piscataway,  do. 

7,  By  the  hand  of  Rev.  Dr.  Rogers,  from  a  Lady 

of  New  Haven,  Con.  - 

By  the  same,  from  Mrs.  B ,  Fort  Mifflin, 

By  the  same,  from  Mrs.  Cornog,  for  the  translation, 

Chester  Co.,  Penn.  ... 

8,  By  the  same,  from  Miss.  M.  Moore,  Phila. 

25,  By  the  hand  of  Rev.  Mr.  M'Laughlin,  from 

the  church,  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.  -  3  00 

May      3,     By  the  Treasurer  of  the  Baptist  F.  M.  Society 

of  New  Jersey,         -  -  -  36  29 

8,  By  collection  in  the  Baptist  meeting  house, 

Newark,  N.  J.  -  -  *47  90 

By  two  or  three  persons,  to  be  added  to  this 
collection,         -  - 

9,  By  another  person,  to  be  added  to  the  same, 
10,     By  Rev.  Mr.  Randolph,  Samptown,  N.  J. 

By  Rev.  Mr.  Brown,  Scotch  Plains,  N.  J. 
Fractional  parts  of  the  preceding  receifits, 


50 

00 

0 

25 

0 

25 

*10 

64 

*38 

19 

2 

00 

50 

00 

5 

00 

n, 

4 

00 

2 

50 

*2 

10 

*2 

00 

*20 

50 

*25 

00 

00 

06 

81059    19 


*  These  sums  credited  to  the  Bap.  F.  M.  S.  of  New  Jersey. 


20 

Although  it  has  been  constantly  my  wish  and  endeavour  to  avoid 
expense  as  much  as  possible,  and  have  had  frequent  occasion  grate- 
fully, on  behalf  of  the  Board,  to  acknowledge  favours  tending  to  pre* 
vent  its  increase;  still,  as  the  Board  must  be  aware,  much  would 
inevitably  be  incurred.  The  amount,  however,  I  flatter  myself,  will 
not  appear  extravagant,  when  considered,  that  while  passing  between 
two  and  three  thousand  miles,  it  has  supplied  my  contingent  neces- 
sities. Besides  humble  thankfulness  to  a  gracious  Providence  for 
preserving  my  health,  and  conducting  me  in  safety  from  place  to 
place,  and  gratitude  to  our  brethren  and  friends  in  general,  for  multi- 
plied instances  of  personal  kindness  and  the  uniform  regard  mani- 
fested towards  the  objects  of  the  Board,  allow  me  to  record  very 
grateful  thanks  for  the  following  particular  favors — to  Mrs.  Woos- 
ter  of  New  Haven,  for  g7  75 — to  Rev.  Mr.  Elliot,  and  others,  at 
the  close  of  the  last  session  of  the  Dublin  Asso:  for  gS  311 — to 
Mrs.  Boardman  and  Mr.  Farwell,  for  the  following  note,  handed  to 
me  by  Dea:  Lincoln,  of  Boston.  "  Feeling  ourselves  in  duty  bound 
as  well  to  relieve  the  necessities  of  saints  as  to  cast  in  our  mite  to 
aid  the  cause  of  Christ  generally,  we  submit  the  inclosed  sum  to 
you  for  your  personal  comfort.  Mrs.  Boardman,  S20,  L.  Farwell, 
giO" — to  Mr.  Allen  Warren,  R.  I.  for  a  pair  of  shoes. 

The  general  diffusion  of  distinct  intelligence  in  relation  to  mis- 
sionary concerns,  has  long  appeared  to  me  of  the  utmost  importance 
to  the  objects  for  whose  attainment  the  General  Convention  has  been 
organized,  the  Board  appointed.  Impressed  with  this  conviction,  it 
was  impossible  for  me  not  to  feel  exceedingly  solicitous  that  the 
Proceedings  of  the  Convention  should  be  circulated  as  extensively 
as  practicable;  and  accordingly,  after  the  said  Proceedings  were 
printed,  before  leaving  this  city,  besides  copies  to  many  individuals, 
I  forwarded  parcels  of  them  to  several  Associations,  from  most  of 
which  information  has  been  returned  stating  their  having  been  well 
received,  and  disposed  of  to  advantage. 

The  Board  having  thought  proper  to  employ  tny  agency,  under 
the  favour  of  its  patronage,  "  with  a  view  to  excite  the  fiublic  mind 
more  generally  to  engage  in  missionary  exertions,"  as  well  as  "  to  as- 
sist in  originating  societies  or  institutions  for  carrying  the  missionary 
design  into  execution;"  to  discharge  the  duties  and  meet  the  respon- 
sibilities of  this  designation,  I  conceived  it  expedient  to  address  the 
Associations  in  a  printed  letter.  In  this  communication  two  objects 
were  particularly  in  view — to  engage  the  Associations  in  the  mis- 
sionary cause,  and  to  open  a  channel  of  intercourse  between  the 
Board  and  all  the  Baptist  churches  in  the  United  States,  by  means 
of  a  regular  correspondence  and  interchange  of  Proceedings  and 
Minutes  between  the  Board  and  the  Assooiations.  These  objects  are 
indeed  intimately  connected,  and  manifestly  of  vital  importance  to 
the  missionary  interest.  It  will  be  gratifying  to  the  Board  to  discover 
that  they  are  attainable.  The  success  of  my  efforts  in  this  business  has 
surpassed  even  the  fond  anticipations  of  my  own  eager  wishes. 

More  fully  to  explain  the  plan  of  communication  and  correspon- 
dence contemplated  to  be  established  between  the  Board  and  the 
Associations  and  Churches,  as  well  as  to  make  up  for  deficiencies 


21 

in  cases  in  which  it  had  not  been  practicable  to  forward  the  abovp 
mentioned  printed  letter  to  Associations  in  season,  I  have  since  had 
a  circular  printed,  addressed  to  individuals.  The  plan  proposed,  so 
far  as  intelligence  has  yet  come  to  hand,  uniformly  meets  with  ap- 
probation. 

A  concise  review  of  the  various  Associations  in  the  United  States, 
■will  contribute  to  shew  the  extent  and  favourable  results  of  these 
exertions.  Including  the  Sabbatarian  General  Conference,  the  Gro- 
ton  Union  Conference,  the  Holland  Purchase  Conference,  the  Yearly 
Meeting  in  the  Ancient  Order  of  the  Six  Principles,  and  one  called 
the  Emancipating  Society,  may  be  reckoned  one  hundred  and  fif- 
teen Associations  in  our  country.    Of  these  there  are  in 

Maine,  three  Associations.  All  of  which  have  been  addressed 
relative  to  missions,  and  have  yielded  towards  this  subject  a  favoura- 
ble countenance.  The  Lincoln  recommends  "that  there  be  a  contri- 
bution of  one  cent  per  month  for  each  member,  to  be  applied  to 
missionary  purposes."  Would  each  Association  adopt  this  measure, 
and  actually  carry  it  into  effect,  though  trifling  the  contribution  of 
each,  the  amount  of  the  whole  would  be  very  considerable  indeed. 

JVew  Hampshire,  three  Associations.  From  the  Meredith  no  in- 
formation relative  to  missions  has  been  received.  The  New  Hamp- 
shire has  not  yet  been  addressed  upon  the  subject,  but  from  the  de- 
clarations of  individuals  belonging  to  it,  no  doubt  is  entertained  that 
it  will  readily  and  cordially  enter  into  the  views  of  the  Board.  The 
Dublin  indeed  was  ready  a  year  ago,  and  has  manifested  its  zeal  in 
the  cause  both  by  a  public  collection,  for  the  mission,  at  the  session 
before  its  last,  and  at  its  last  session  by  a  public  collection,  and  the 
formation  of  a  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  and  also  by  recommending 
to  the  churches  of  which  it  is  composed  to  make  annual  contribu- 
tions for  the  same  object. 

Vermont,  six  Associations.  The  Vermont,  the  Woodstock,  and  the 
Fairfield,  having  been  addressed  upon  the  subject,  have  entered  into 
the  views  of  the  Board  with  laudable  zeal.  In  their  connexion  two 
Missionary  Societies  have  been  formed,  from  which  may  justly  be 
expected  considerable  assistance.  The  Danville  is  understood  to  be 
warmly  favourable  to  missionary  efforts.  Accounts  relative  to  the 
Barre  are  also  of  a  nature  to  awaken  pleasing  hopes.  The  Shafts- 
bury,  although  not  yet  addressed  upon  the  subject,  has  long  displayed 
that  zeal  and  charity,  which  furnish  a  satisfactory  pledge  of  its  favour 
towards  the  benevolent  objects  of  the  Board. 

Massachusetts,  four  Associations,  and  all  of  them  have  listened 
with  pleasure  to  the  voice  of  Divine  Providence,  summoning  atten- 
tion to  the  missionary  cause; — have  recommended  to  the  churches 
to  make  annual  contributions  for  its  promotion; — in  various  ways  are 
encouraging  and  assisting  exertions  of  this  nature; — readily  and  af- 
fectionately, with  their  brethren  in  other  places,  advancing  to  the 
hel/i  of  the  Lord  against  the  mighty. 

Hhode  Island,  two  Associations.  The  Warren  has  entered  into  the 
views  of  the  Board,  with  a  readiness  and  zeal  worthy  its  established 
excellent  character.  Large  in  number  and  venerable  by  age,  it  asso- 
ciates with  these  considerations  peculiar  endearment,  by  so  warmlv 


22 

espousing,  as  it  does,  the  cause  of  those  who  dwell  in  the  dark  places 
of  the  earth,  that  are  full  of  the  habitations  of  cruelty.  Besides  a  reso- 
lution to  lake  a  public  collection  at  each  annual  meeting  of  Associa- 
tion, the  churches  of  which  it  is  composed  are  affectionately  exhorted 
to  make  annual  contributions  for  the  purpose  of  imparting  the  know- 
ledge of  the  gospel  to  the  heathen.  The  Yearly  Meeting  also,  at  its 
last  session,  took  this  subject  into  serious  deliberation,  and  mani- 
fested a  willingness  to  hold  a  correspondence  with  the  Board. 

Connecticut,  three  Associations;  which  have  embarked  in  the  mis- 
sion cause,  with  a  decision  and  activity  becoming  the  piety  of  our 
brethren  in  that  quarter.  The  Groton  Union  Conference  has  not 
indeed  yet  been  addressed  upon  this  subject;  but  such  accounts 
have  been  received  as  to  induce  a  confident  persuasion,  that  our 
brethren  of  that  Conference  will  afford  their  patronage  and  assistance 
to  the  general  object.  The  Connecticut  F.  M.  Society  has  already 
been  mentioned,  and  it  is  believed  the  Board  may  calculate  on  its 
steady  and  increasing  support. 

New  York,  fifteen  Associations.  The  New  York  had  not  till  the 
present  season  been  addressed  upon  missions.  At  its  recent  session, 
as  Agent  of  the  Board,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  presenting  the  subject, 
and  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  it  attended  to  with  propriety  and  zeal. 
A  public  collection  annually  at  its  session, — contributions  by  the 
churches — and  the  formation  of  two  mission  societies,  one  in  New 
York  and  one  in  East  Jersey,  were  affectionately  recommended  by 
the  Association,  at  whose  request  also  I  delivered  a  missionary  sermon 
on  the  occasion,  and  a  public  collection  was  taken  for  the  general 
fund.  The  Warwick  has  not  yet  been  addressed,  nor  any  informa- 
tion, except  a  copy  of  their  minutes,  been  received.  But  from  their 
number,  local  situation,  and  character,  it  appears  not  too  much  to 
anticipate  their  countenance  and  aid  in  this  business.  The  Otsego 
appears  to  be  exerting  a  zealous  patronage  in  favour  of  missions  to 
the  heathen.  In  this  quarter  has  been  formed  The  Utica  Baptise 
Society  to  aid  in  Foreign  Missions.  The  Chemung  expresses  a  cordial 
approbation  of  the  objects  of  the  Board.  The  Rensselaerville  has 
appointed  persons  '  to  receive  monies  collected  in  the  Association 
and  churches,  to  aid  the  foreign  mission."  The  Cayuga  also  has 
appointed  a  person  "  to  receive  contributions  for  foreign  missions." 
The  Essex  recommends  to  the  churches,  *'  to  pay  six  cents  a 
member  to  help  support  missionary  labours."  The  Saratoga  has 
not  yet  been  addressed,  but  from  their  number  and  pious  zeal  for 
the  Lord  Jesus,  the  Board  would  probably  do  them  injustice  not  to 
calculate  on  their  cordial  patronage  and  assistance.  The  Black 
River,  also,  it  is  believed,  will  yield  a  favourable  countenance.  The 
Madison  has  entered  into  the  subject  with  a  lively  interest,  appointed 
a  standing  secretary  to  correspond  with  the  Board,  taken  a  public 
collection,  and  forwarded  S42  for  the  general  fund.  The  standing 
secretary  thus  writes,  "  Your  letter  to  me  I  read  to  the  Association, 
and  likewise  the  printed  one  addressed  to  the  Association,  and  the 
Address  of  the  General  Convention  respecting  the  same  thing. 
These  communications  excited  the  most  pleasing  sensations  in  the 
friends  of  Zion  assembled.  The  business  was  immediately  attended 
to,  as  you  may  see  by  our  minutes."  From  the  Lake  George  no  in- 


23 

formation  has  yet  been  received.  The  Union  at  its  last  session, 
"  appointed  a  committee  to  draft  a  constitution  for  missionary  pur- 
poses." The  business  may  probably  be  matured  at  the  next  session. 
The  Franklin  at  its  last  session,  "  took  up  the  subject  of  sending 
missionaries  among  the  destitute — and,  considering  the  gospel  as  the 
power  of  God  unto  salvation,  and  the  command  to  preach  it  to  every 
creature, — voted  to  recommend  to  the  several  churches  to  raise 
money  by  contribution,  and  send  it  by  their  messengers  to  the  next 
Association." — Also  appointed  u  a  committee  to  devise  a  plan  of  ope- 
ration to  be  adopted,  if  thought  proper  by  the  Association  at  their 
next  meeting."  The  Holland  Purchase  Conference,  it  is  believed, 
will  exert  its  influence  in  favour  of  the  same  benevolent  object.  The 
St.  Lawrence,  although  not  large,  will,  it  is  thought,  find  pleasure  in 
manifesting  a  friendly  regard  towards  the  objects  of  the  Board.  From, 
a  member  of  the  Ontario,  which  is  a  new  Association,  a  friendly  letter 
has  been  received,  bearing  intelligence  of  a  favourable  nature.  It  is, 
indeed,  pleasing  and  encouraging  to  find  our  numerous  and  wealthy 
brethren  in  this  large  state  so  actively  zealous  in  this  benevolent 
cause. 

New  Jersey,  one  Association,  which  manifests  a  favourable  regard 
towards  diffusing  the  knowledge  of  Christ  among  the  heathen.  In 
the  same  region  has  been  formed,  The  Baptist  Foreign  Missionary 
Society  of  New  Jersey,  from  which,  as  it  transmits  to  the  general 
fund  this  season,  a  sum  larger  than  that  allowed  by  its  delegates  to 
be  reported  to  the  Convention,  as  its  probable  annual  contribution,® 
the  Board  may  indulge  the  anticipation  of  increasing  support. 

Pennsylvania,  three  Associations.  In  1813,  the  Philadelphia  em- 
barked in  the  missionary  cause,  and  took  measures  to  bring  about 
the  formation  of  The  Philadelphia  Baptist  Society  for  Foreign  Mis- 
sions; and  it  is  gratifying  to  contemplate  the  amount,f  allowed  by  the 
delegates  of  this  society  to  be  reported  to  the  Convention,  as  its  pro- 
bable annual  contribution  to  the  general  fund — especially  as  the 
wealth  and  liberality  of  Philadelphia,  and  of  the  churches  in  the  adja- 
cent country,  will  enable  this  society,  with  ease,  to  furnish  the  sum 
mentioned.  From  the  Redstone  no  information  has  yet  been  received. 
The  Abington  is  small,  but  friendly  to  the  wishes  of  the  Board. 

Delaware,  one  Association,  which,  although  not  large,  has  already 
expressed  such  regard  to  the  objects  of  the  Board,  as,  in  connexion 
with  The  Delaware  Branch  Society  for  Foreign  Missions,  to  justify 
the  expectation  of  continued  assistance  from  this  quarter. 

Mar ij land,  two  Associations.  The  Baltimore  appears  friendly,  but  at 
its  last  session,  the  state  of  things  in  that  part  of  our  country  did  not 
admit  of  its  bestowing  much  attention  upon  the  subject  of  missions,, 
From  The  Baltimore  Baptist  Missionary  Society  also,  the  Board,  it  is 
conceived,  may  safely  calculate  on  firm  support.  The  Salisbury,  it  is 
not  doubted,  will  afford  friendly  assistance  to  the  same  object. 

Virginia,  sixteen  Associations,  which  will  be  able  to  do  much  for 
advancing  the  missionary  cause,  and  may  be  expected  cheerfully  tp 
bring  forward  their  assistance,  when  the  subject  shall  have  beer 

•  See  Proceedings  of  Convention,  p.  34.  f  Ibid,  p.  35 


24 

properly  placed  before  them.  The  minutes  of  the  Ketocton  have 
been  received,  within  whose  limits  is  The  Bajitist  Mission  Society 
of  Frederick  county,  Va.  before  mentioned.  From  the  Strawberry 
no  intelligence  has  yet  been  obtained.  The  minutes  of  the  Dover 
have  come  to  hand,  and  it  appears  that  the  missionary  influence  is 
gaining  ground  in  that  interesting  quarter.  In  the  same  region 
exists  The  Richmond  Mission  Society,  which,  at  its  late  annual  meet- 
ing, ordered  §250  to  be  remitted  to  the  general  fund,  being  the 
sum*  allowed  by  the  delegates  of  that  society  to  be  reported  to  the 
Convention,  as  the  probable  amount  of  its  annual  assistance.  The 
minutes  of  the  Middle  District  have  been  received,  and  a  letter 
accompanying  them,  in  which  the  writer  thinks  it  '  pretty  certain 
that  that  Association  will  be  pleased  with  the  missionary  business/ 
From  the  Roanoke,  Portsmouth,  and  Albemarle  nothing  relative  to 
missions  has  yet  been  obtained.  Within  the  limits  of  the  Goshen, 
at  Fredericksburgh,  a  Female  Mission  Society  has  been  formed,  and 
a  day  is  appointed  to  complete  the  organization  of  a  society  in  the 
same  place,  mentioned  in  Proceedings  of  Convention,  p.  37.  Rev. 
Mr.  Mason,  of  the  Shiloh,  thus  writes — «  I  am  much  pleased  with 
the  missionary  institution,  believing  that  that,  and  the  Bible  Society, 
under  the  divine  patronage,  are  calculated  to  diffuse  general  know- 
ledge to  the  heathen  world,  and  lay  a  permanent  foundation  for  the 
latter  clay  glory,  and  think  every  benevolent  heart  ought  to  contri- 
bute for  the  advancement  of  so  glorious  a  cause."  From  the  New 
River  and  the  Mayo,  no  information.  From  a  member  of  the  Appo- 
mattox  has  been  received  a  letter  of  a  favourable  character.  From  a 
member  of  the  Meherrin  a  letter  also  of  a  favourable  nature.  But 
from  the  Union,  the  Greenbrier,  and  the  Accomack,  no  missionary  in- 
telligence has  yet  arrived. 

North  Carolina,  eleven  Associations.  Rev.  Mr.  Culpeper,  member 
of  the  Sandy  Creek,  writes,  that  he  "  shall  take  pleasure  in  pro- 
moting the  missionary  business."  From  the  Kehukee  the  minutes 
have  been  received,  and  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Lancaster,  Pres.  of 
the  N.  Carolina  Baptist  Society  for  F.  Missions,  expressing  his  cor- 
dial approbation  of  the  plan  of  communication  and  correspondence 
contemplated  to  be  established  between  the  Board  and  the  Associa- 
tions. His  zeal  for  missions  is  well  known.  From  a  member  of  the 
Yadkin,  Rev.  Mr.  Wright,  a  friendly  letter  has  been  received,  ex- 
pressing sentiments  very  favourable  to  missionary  efforts.  From  the 
Neuse,  minutes  have  been  received,  and  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Bid- 
die,  communicating  $24,  taken  up  by  public  collection  during  the 
session  of  the  Association.  By  the  attention  and  zeal  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Read,  the  missionary  business  was  placed  before  the  Flat  River,  at 
their  last  session,  and  seems  likely  to  receive  countenance  from  that 
quarter,  as  a  person  was  appointed  by  the  Association  to  receive  com- 
munications from  the  Board.  Mr.  Read  has  also  forwarded  a  copy  of 
their  minutes,  and  two  very  kind  letters.  From  the  Mountain  no  in- 
formation relative  to  missions  has  yet  come  to  hand.  From  the  Cape 
Fear,  minutes  have  come  to  hand,  and  it  appears  that  a  parcel  of  the 
Proceedings  of  the  Convention  had  been  received  by  the  Associa* 

*  See  Proceedings  of  Convention,  p.  35. 


25 

tion,  and  that  a  collection  was  taken  for  missions.  In  this  quarter  the 
missionary  influence  appears  to  be  on  the  increase.  From  the 
Chowan,  minutes  have  been  received,  and  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr. 
Spivey,  expressing  his  approbation  of  the  business,  and  furnishing 
reason  to  hope  that  something  in  favour  of  it  may  be  done  by  that 
Association.  From  the  Raleigh,  minutes  have  come  to  hand,  and  a 
letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Daniel,  who  appears  to  be  prudently  and  zeal- 
ously engaged  in  advancing  the  missionary  interest  in  that  quarter. 
Minutes  of  the  Country  Line  have  been  forwarded  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Roberts,  and  a  letter  expressive  of  his  good  wishes,  and  pious  zeal 
for  promoting  the  mission  business.  From  a  member  of  the  French 
Broad  also,  a  friendly  letter  has  been  received.  So  that  from  our 
worthy  brethren  in  this  state,  it  is  believed,  the  Board  may  justly  cal- 
culate on  continued  and  increasing  assistance.  Besides  the  large  mis- 
sion society  already  formed  there,  the  organization  of  another  in  the 
western  part  of  the  state,  has  been  contemplated,  and  may  perhaps 
soon  take  place,  if  not  indeed,  already  accomplished. 

South  Carolina,  Jive  Associations.  This  business  appears  to  so  much 
advantage  on  the  minutes  of  the  Charleston,  that  I  cannot  refuse 
myself  the  pleasure  of  quoting  the  article.  "  The  moderator  laid  be- 
fore the  Association  the  minutes  of  the  late  Convention  in  Philadel- 
phia, held  by  the  Baptists  for  missionary  purposes,  at  which  the 
Hon.  Judge  Tallmadge  and  himself  had  attended  as  delegates,  and 
at  the  same  time  he  read  the  constitution  which  the  Convention  had 
formed,  their  address  to  the  public,  and  the  minutes  of  the  Board  of 
missions,  founded  on  the  aforesaid  constitution,  requesting  that  the 
Association  would  give  a  decided  public  expression  of  their  senti- 
ments on  these  subjects:  Whereupon  it  was  declared,  by  a  unani- 
mous vote, — that  this  Association  do  approve  of  the  said  constitution 
and  address,  and  of  the  measures  taken  by  the  Board  of  missions  to 
bring  the  constitution  into  operation;  and  that  it  is  their  wish  and  re- 
quest that  the  churches  for  which  they  are  convened,  will  give  cor- 
dial and  firm  support  to  these  measures,  in  order  that,  through  the 
blessing  of  God,  the  important  object  proposed,  the  conversion  of 
the  heathen  to  the  faith  of  Christ,  may  be  obtained."  From  the  Bethel, 
little  information  has  been  obtained,  enough,  however,  to  produce  a 
belief,  that  the  missionary  zeal  may  be  kindled  to  considerable 
extent  in  that  quarter.  Minutes  of  the  Broad  River,  and  pleasing  in- 
formation has  been  communicated,  evincing  a  disposition  to  patronize 
the  cause  of  missions.  Minutes  of  the  Saluda,  and  information  of  a 
favourable  tendency  have  come  to  hand.  From  the  Edgefield,  little 
has  yet  been  heard.  However,  our  brethren  in  these  parts,  there  is 
reason  to  believe,  when  the  subject  shall  be  properly  placed  before 
them,  will  not  decline  the  privilege  of  aiding  so  benevolent  a  cause. 

Georgia,  rfa:  Associations.  The  minutes  of  the  Georgia  have  been 
received,  from  which  the  following  is  extracted,  evincing  the  lively 
zeal  of  this  Association  for  missionary  efforts.  "  Br.  Mercer  pre- 
sented and  read  the  circular  and  constitution  of  The  Savannah  Bafi- 
tist  Society  for  F.  Missions,  and  then  moved  for  the  approbation  of 
the  Association,  which  was  given  willingly  and  unanimously.— 
Whereupon  it  was  thought  proper  to  recommend  the  subject  for 

D 


26 

its  evident  importance,  to  the  consideration  ol  the  churches,  and 
Friday,  5th  May,  was  named  as  a  day  on  which  all  wfio  were  dis- 
posed might  meet  at  Povvelton,  in  Hancock  county,  to  form  a  society 
and  digest  a  plan  to  aid  the  glorious  effort  to  evangelize  the  poor 
heathen  in  idolatrous  lands."  The  minutes  of  the  Hephzibah  have 
been  received,  and  also  a  letter,  from  which  there  seems  reason  to 
cherish  the  expectation  of  aid  from  this  quarter  in  the  missionary 
business.  From  the  Sarepta,  no  intelligence  relative  to  missions  has 
yet  arrived.  The  Savannah  River,  in  connexion  with  which  was 
formed,  in  1813,  The  Savannah  Mission  Society,  and  within  whose 
limits  afterwards,  The  Beaufort  District  Mission  Society,  will  doubt- 
less continue  to  patronize  this  cause.  From  the  Ockmulgee,  and 
Ebenezer,  nothing  relative  to  missions  has  yet  come  to  hand. 

Mississippi  Territory,  two  Associations.  The  minutes  of  both  of 
which  have  been  received,  and  also  such  other  information  as  exhi- 
bits a  favourable  prospect  in  this  region. 

Tennessee,  eight  Associations.  Esq.  Hale,  a  member  of  the  Hol- 
tton,  in  a  letter,  declares  himself  "  truly  glad  to  hear  of  the  mis- 
sionary scheme,"  and  hopes  the  churches  in  that  region  will  not  be 
backward  to  contribute  for  its  advancement.  From  the  Tennessee  and 
the  Cumberland,  nothing  has  yet  been  forwarded  upon  the  subject. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Fort,  of  the  Red  River,  expresses  most  cordial  ap- 
probation of  the  object  contemplated  by  the  Board,  and  entertains  the 
opinion,  that,  when  fully  understood  by  the  churches,  it  will  meet  the 
approbation  of  that  Association.  From  the  Elk  River,  information 
upon  the  subject  has  not  yet  arrived.  The  minutes  of  the  Concord 
have  been  forwarded  by  Esq.  Foster,  and  also  a  letter,  in  which  he 
expresses  his  warm  approbation  of  the  Board  of  missions,  and  that 
he  entertains  no  doubt  the  subject  will  be  patronized  in  that  state;  and 
very  impressively  asks,  "  should  we  refuse  to  contribute  our  mite  to 
impart  these  invaluable  blessings  to  those  who  are  sitting  in  darkness, 
might  not  the  very  stones  cry  out  against  us?"  From  the  Washington 
and  the  Little  River,  nothing  relative  to  missions  has  yet  arrived. 
The  Board,  however,  it  is  conceived,  may  justly  cherish  a  persua- 
sion of  their  favourable  countenance,  in  unison  with  that  of  their 
brethren  generally,  through  the  state. 

Kentucky,  fourteen  Associations.  Minutes  of  the  Elkhorn  have  been 
forwarded,  and  a  letter  from  one  of  its  members,  from  which  there 
appears  a  willingness  to  maintain  a  friendly  correspondence  with  the 
Board.  From  a  member  of  the  Salem,  a  friendly  letter  has  been 
received  recently,  in  which  the  writer  declares  himself  '  willing 
to  do  every  thing  he  can  to  advance  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  in  this 
world,'  and  that  he  '  feels  a  very  warm  side  towards  missionary 
purposes.'  From  the  Tate's  Creek,  nothing  has  yet  come  to  hand 
relative  to  missions.  A  member  of  the  Bracken,  expresses,  in  a  let- 
ter, his  opinion,  that  many  will  "avail  themselves  of  the  earliest 
opportunity  to  cast  in  their  mile  unto  the  offerings  of  the  Lord." 
Esq.  Hall,  of  the  Green  River,  declares  himself  "  indeed  much 
pleased  with  the  project" — and  that  with  pleasure  he  will  receive 
any  communications  from  the  Board  for  that  Association.  Rev.  Mr. 
Graves  of  the  North  Bend,  rejoices  "  at  the  exertions  of  our  brethren 
in  different  parts  of  the  world  to  propagate  the  gospel  among  the 


27 

heathen."  From  the  North  District  and  the  Burning  Spring  min- 
utes, and  a  friendly  letter,  have  recently  arrived.  From  the  South 
District,  the  Long  Run,  the  Russels  Creek,  and  the  Stockton's  Fa/ley, 
nothing  has  come  to  hand  relative  to  missions.  The  Licking  received 
a  parcel  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  Convention,  and  disposed  of  them 
so  as  to  remit  in  return  to  the  Board  S3  87\,  besides  forwarding  a 
kind  letter  to  myself.  Minutes  of  the  Emancipating  Society,  and  a 
friendly  letter  have  also  been  received.  All  which  induces  the  pleas- 
ing belief,  that  our  numerous  brethren  in  this  flourishing  state,  al- 
though local  and  obvious  considerations  may  incline  them  to  employ 
a  portion  of  their  efforts  in  domestic  missions,  will,  nevertheless,  find 
pleasure  in  maintaining  that  friendly  connexion  and  correspondence 
with  the  Board,  which  offer  so  much  mutual  satisfaction  and  advan- 
tage. 

Ohio,  Jive  Associations.  Esq.  Corwin,  of  the  Miami,  has  forwarded 
a  kind  letter  from  which  it  appears  reasonable  to  anticipate  the  fa- 
vourable countenance  of  this  Association.  The  Scioto  at  the  last  ses- 
sion, recommended  to  the  churches  to  make  contributions  for  the 
"  noble  and  good  purposes"  of  the  mission.  Minutes  of  the  Straight 
Creek  and  a  friendly  letter  have  lately  been  received.  From  the  Beaver 
and  the  Mad  River,  no  indication  has  yet  been  supplied,  relative  to 
their  views  of  missions  to  the  heathen.  There  is  no  reason,  however, 
to  doubt  their  being  favourable. 

Indianna  Territory,  three  Associations.  From  the  White  Watery 
minutes  have  been  forwarded  by  Rev.  Mr.  Ferris,  and  also  a  letter, 
in  which  he  says,  "  I  am  truly  glad  that  there  is  a  prospect  of  the 
gospel  shining  once  more  in  the  east,  and  do  earnestly  hope  that  the 
friends  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  in  America,  will  unite  their  resources  to 
send  the  good  news  of  salvation  to  those  who  are  perishing  for  lack 
of  knowledge."  A  friendly  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  M'Coy,  with  infor- 
mation relative  to  the  Wabash  and  the  Silver  Creek,  has  been  receiv- 
ed.  The  prospect  is  favourable. 

The  Sabbattarian  General  Conference  has  not  yet  been  addressed 
upon  the  subject  of  missions. 

In  this  brief  review  of  the  one  hundred  and  fifteen  Associations 
in  this  country,  it  will,  I  persuade  myself,  afford  much  satisfaction 
to  the  Board  to  find  so  many  of  them  already  engaged  in  patronizing 
the  pious  design  of  imparting  the  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ  to  the 
heathen.  Others,  a  confidence  may  justly  be  entertained,  will  afford 
assistance  also,  when  the  subject  shall  have  been  properly  placed  be- 
fore them.  A  tabular  view  of  the  Associations  is  submitted  on  a  sepa- 
rate paper.  In  relation  to  the  whole  business,  I  can  scarcely  repress 
the  exclamation,  "  What  hath  God  wrought!"  He  hath  indeed  "done 
great  things  for  us,  whereof  we  are  glad." 

With  very  affectionate  christian  salutations,  to  yourself,  Sir,  and 
to  the  Board  of  Missions,  permit  me  to  subscribe  myself  your  agent 
and  missionary, 

LUTHER  RICE. 
Rev.  Dr.Staughton,  Cor.  Sec.  of  the 
Ba/i.  Board  of  Missions  for  the  U.  States. 

Philadelphia,  25th  May,  1815. 


28 


The  setting  ajmrt  of  brother  George  H.  Hough  as  a  missionary  to 
India  beyond  the  Ganges. 

The  Board  ore  persuaded  that  the  circumstances  attendant  on  the 
acceptance  and  employment  of  brother  Hough  will  afford  gratifica- 
tion, and  create  thankfulness  to  the  Head  of  the  church,  who  asks 
not  in  vain  "  whom  shall  I  send,  and  who  will  go  for  us?"  The  lan- 
guage of  the  heart  of  brother  Hough  is,  "  Here  am  7,  send  vie." 

Mr.  Hough  is  about  28  years  of  age.  a  native  of  Windsor,  Vt.,  and 
member  of  the  Baptist  church  at  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

In  his  letter  soliciting  the  patronage  of  the  Board,  after  some  ac- 
count of  the  religious  exercises  of  his  mind,  he  observes, — "  with  an 
impression  that  it  was  my  duty  to  become  a  servant  in  the  church, 
for  Christ's  sake,  and  having  a  special  regard  in  my  heart  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  and  the  everlasting  welfare 
of  men,  I  obeyed,  as  well  the  call  of  duty  as  that  of  the  church,  and 
engaged  with  much  weakness  and  trembling  in  the  ministry  of  the 
word.  Since  the  time  I  received  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  I  have 
had  a  disposition  of  mind  towards  a  missionary  life; — have  felt  a  pe- 
culiar and  strong  desire  for  the  fulfilment  of  those  prophecies,  which 
relate  to  the  universal  reign  of  Christ  on  earth,  and  have  been,  and 
still  am,  not  only  willing,  but  desirous  of  offering  my  body  as  a  living 
sacrifice  to  God,  that  his  gracious  purposes  might  be  accomplished 
in  me  and  others.  For  about  one  year  past,  my  impressions  of  duty 
relative  to  engaging  in  the  India  mission  have  been  increasing,  Hav- 
ing spent  my  early  years  in  acquiring  the  art  of  printing,  and  it  hav- 
ing been  intimated  that  a  new  station  would  be  sought  by  the  Ame- 
rican missionaries,  where  a  printing  establishment  would  be  eminently 
useful  towards  accomplishing  the  object  of  the  mission,  I  feit  upon 
my  mind  a  kind  of  double  obligation  to  offer  myself  to  the  respected 
Board  of  Foreign  Missions  for  their  patronage  and  assistance;  that 
they  would  allow  me  the  happiness  of  making  the  sacrifices,  encounter- 
ing  the  trials, enduring  the  fatigues,  and  dying  the  death  of  amissionary. 

"One  persuasion  has  ever  occupied  my  mind  upon  this  subject,  that 
if  it  were  my  duty,  if  God  designed  me  to  labour  in  that  part  of  his 
vineyard,  He  himself  would  conduct  me  towards  it  by  his  Providence; 
and  I  cannot  help  observing,  that  every  step  which  I  have  taken  to- 
wards the  present  interview  has  been  apparently  to  my  mind  provi- 
dentially directed;  and  I  think  I  could  never  have  felt  satisfied  that  I 
had  done  my  duty,  without  presenting  myself,  as  I  now  do,  to  this 
Board,  and  intreating  that  they  would  bestow  on  mc  the  favour,  which 
it  is  now  in  their  power  I  hope  consistently  to  grant,  of  living  and 
dying  their  missionary  in  India." 

Mrs.  Hough  in  a  letter  to  her  parents  about  the  same  time,  with  a 
view  to  reconcile  their  minds  to  her  going  to  India,  thus  tenderly  ad- 
dresses them: — "  I  can  anticipate  your  feelings  in  parting  with  one 
of  your  children  probably  for  life,  and  I  feel  all  that  relactance,  which 
an  affectionate  child  would  feel  for  kind  parents,  when  I  leave  you  for 
a  distant  country.  My  husband  has  long  been  desirous  of  going  to 
India,  and  he  feels  confident  that  he  can  be  more  useful  in  the  cause 
of  Christ  there,  than,  in  any  other  place.  He  is  professedly  engaged 


29 

in  that  cause,  to  promote  which  ought  to  be  the  object  of  all  chris- 
tians. They  ought  to  be  willing  to  make  sacrifices,  to  endure  hard- 
ships, and  to  forsake  all  for  Christ's  sake  and  the  gospel's. 

"  You,  my  dear  mother,  professing  to  be  a  follower  of  Jesus,  to  feel 
interested  in  his  cause,  let  me  ask,  if  you  do  not  wish  to  promote  it — 
if  you  do  not  desire  to  see  that  day,  when  the  gospel  shall  be  preached 
to  every  nation  under  heaven? — How  would  you  feel  if  deprived  of 
your  Bible  and  the  preaching  of  the  gospel?  Would  you  not  be  willing 
to  go  even  to  India  for  the  enjoyment  of  such  a  blessing?  And  if  sal- 
vation depend  upon  knowing  and  believing  in  Christ,  and  if  there  is 
greater  joy  in  a  well  grounded  hope  and  faith  in  the  gospel,  than  in 
all  the  pleasures  of  the  world,  is  it  not  of  great  importance,  that  the 
heathen  should  taste  of  these  joys?  I  know  you  will  say  that  it  is  of 
importance  that  the  gospel  should  be  preached  to  them — and  why 
not  my  husband  endure  the  hardships  incident  to  a  missionary  life, 
as  well  others?  Why  should  not  I  go  to  India  as  well  as  other  women, 
and  share  with  my  husband  the  trials  and  comforts  of  a  life  devoted 
to  the  cause  of  truth?  I  hope  you  and  all  other  christians  will  pray  for 
us,  that  we  faint  not  in  the  day  of  trial." 

On  the  evening  of  Thursday  25th  inst.  in  the  Baptist  meeting 
house,  in  Sansom  Street,  brother  Hough  was  solemnly  set  apart  by 
prayer  and  the  imposition  of  hands,  to  the  service  of  a  Missionary, 
intended  for  the  Empire  of  Burmah.  Introductory  prayer  by  brother 
Rice;*  sermon  from  Mat.  xxiv.  14.  "  And  this  gospel  of  the  kingdom 
shall  be  preached  in  all  the  world  for  a  witness  unto  all  fiations,"  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  White;  consecrating  prayer  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Staughton; 
imposition  of  hands  by  the  Rev.  Drs.  Staughton  and  Holcombe,  and 
the  Rev.  Messrs.  White,  Grigg,  and  Rice;  charge  by  Dr.  Holcombe; 
address  to  the  assembly  by  Dr.  Staughton;  closing  prayer  by  Mr. 
Grigg.  The  solemnities  were  impressive;  and  a  collection  was  taken 
for  missionary  purposes. 


MISSIONARY  FIELD, 

Being  the  first  in  the  arrangement  of  Divine  Providence  occupied  by 
Missionaries  under  the  patronage  of  the  Board. 

This  subject  is  adverted  to  with  pleasure,  not  only  to  satisfy 
an  anxious  public  whose  charities  are  willingly  contributed,  but 
gratefully  to  record  the  goodness  of  God,  in  selecting,  as  in  the  dispen- 
sation of  his  over-ruling  providence,  he  manifestly  has  done,  the  large 
and  populous  empire  of  Burmah  as  the  first  object  for  the  missionary 

*  For  the  information  of  brethren  at  a  distance,  it  may  be  proper  just  to  ob- 
serve that  brother  R.  who,  as  well  as  brother  and  sister  Judson,  went  out  to 
India  under  the  patronage  of  the  pedo-baptist  churches,  and  who  were  baptized 
in  Calcutta,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ward,  one  of  the  missionaries  at  Serampore,  and 
one  of  the  associate  pastors  of  the  church  at  Serampore  and  Calcutta,  and  were 
received  to  the  communion  of  that  church,  has,  since  his' return  to  the  U  States, 
become  a  member  of  the  baptist  church  in  Sansom  Street,  Philadelphia;  thu9 
strengthening  the  ties  which  ynite  him  to  his  brethren  in  this  country. 


30 

efforts  of  the  American  Baptists.  Introductory  to  a  view  of  this  em- 
pire as  missionary  ground,  it  may  be  proper  to  quote  a  few  sentences 
contained  in  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Fuller,  of  Kettering,  to  the 
Corresponding  Secretary,  in  which  he  observes,—"  I  have  just  now 
received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Carey,  who  says, — "  The  Burman  mission 
is  fixed  at  Ava  the  capital,  and  a  printing  press  is  to  be  established 
there,  by  order  of  the  Emperor.  Felix*  was  some  time  ago  ordered 
to  Ava  to  vaccinate  the  younger  branches  of  the  royal  family.  He 
went,  and  was  received  with  rather  more  honour  than  he  would 
have  wished  for.  He  had  none  of  the  vaccine  virus,  but  a  ship  was 
ordered  to  be  engaged  to  bring  him  to  Bengal  for  some.  I  had  in 
the  mean  time  sent  some  thither,  which  arrived  the  day  he  was  to 
have  embarked,  and  prevented  his  coming.  He  requested  leave  of 
the  emperor  to  set  up  a  printing  press,  which  was  granted,  and 
he  required  to  reside  at  Ava.  Brother  Judson,  who  is  at  Rangoon, 
and  feels  happy  in  that  mission,  will  continue  there,  till  further 
help  can  be  sent  thither*.  I  wish  we  had  a  brother  from  England  to 
settle  there.  We  should  then  have  a  station  at  each  end  of  that  em- 
pire." I  think  if  brother  Carey  had  known  the  difficulties  of  an  Ame- 
rican brother  being  admitted  into  British  India,  and  at  the  same  time 
the  stir  excited  by  brother  Rice  among  the  Baptist  churches,  he  would 
have  said — Burmah  must  be  the  seat  of  their  labours.  Such  however 
is  my  present  judgment." 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Ryland  generously  observes  in  a  letter,  "  If  brother 
Rice  had  gone  to  Rangoon,  we  should  have  been  very  ready  to  adopt 
him  as  our  missionary." 

From  a  "  Brief  View  of  the  Baptist  Missions,  and  Translations" 
it  appears  that  "  Rangoon  is  the  chief  seaport  of  the  Burman  em- 
pire, about  670  miles  S.  E.  from  Calcutta,  containing  5000  houses." 
At  this  place  Mr.  Felix  Carey,  eldest  son  of  Dr.  Carey,  has  remain- 
ed from  its  first  occupancy  as  a  missionary  station,  in  1807,  till 
required  by  the  emperor,  as  mentioned  in  the  letter  from  his  father 
to  Dr.  Fuller,  to  remove  to  Ava,  the  capital  of  the  empire.  In  June 
1811,  he  thus  wrote — "  Through  the  tender  mercy  of  an  ever  gra- 
cious God,  I  have  been  hitherto  preserved  in  perfect  health,  and  free 
from  every  harm  amidst  the  many  dangers  and  changes  which  are 
daily  occurring.  The  attack  with  which  this  place  has  been  threaten- 
ed during  these  last  four  or  five  months,  from  the  depredators  who 
infest  the  whole  country,  has  hitherto  been  averted.  Several  small 
villages  not  many  miles  distant  have  been  plundered;  and  every  now 
and  then  patients,  desperately  wounded,  are  brought  to  me  for  relief.f 
I  have  just  finished  a  second  and  more  enlarged  revisal  of  my  Bur- 
man dictionary,  containing  all  the  common  words  in  use  derived  from 
the  Magudha  and  the  manner  in  which  they  are  derived.  I  have  also 
added  sentences  exemplifying  the  various  meanings  of  words  from 
different  Burman  authors.  It  will  make  a  volume  of  3  or  400  pages 
folio.  I  feel  a  delight  in  my  work  and  am  happy  in  my  situation,  but 
all  this  without  the  blessing  of  God  can  be  of  no  avail:  I  long  for  the 
time  when  I  shall  see  the  gospel  publicly  preached  in  this  country  as 
it  is  in  Bengal." 

*  Spn  of  Dr.  Carey.  f  Mr.  C.  is  a  Physician. 


31 

The  views  of  the  Board  having  been  providentially  directed  to  this 
interesting  quarter,  some  general  account  of  it  the  public  are  enti- 
tled to  expect.  The  following  is  the  best  that  could  at  present  be  ob- 
tained. More  information  will  undoubtedly  hereafter  be  furnished  by 
the  missionaries. 

The  empire  of  Burmah  is  about  1000  miles  in  length  and  600  in 
breadth,  spreading  from  about  the  9th  to  the  26th  degree  north  latitude, 
and  from  the  92d  to  the  107th  cast  longitude;  and  contains  a  popula- 
tion estimated  at  about  fifteen  millions.  The  present  sovereign  Shem- 
buan  Minderagee  Praw,  who  ascended  the  throne  in  1781,  assumes 
the  title  of  Boa  or  emperor.  His  will  is  law,  and  his  power  undefined. 
Next  in  rank  to  the  princes  of  the  blood  royal  are  the  Woongees  or 
chief  ministers  of  state,  who  constitute  the  grand  council  of  the 
nation,  and  issue  mandates  to  the  Maywoons  or  viceroys  of  provinces. 

Towards  the  north,  the  country  is  mountainous.  The  plains  and 
vallies  in  the  south,  particularly  near  the  rivers,  are  exceedingly  fer- 
tile. The  seasons  are  regular,  the  climate  salubrious,  and  the  natives 
vigorous  and  healthy. 

Every  kind  of  religion  is  tolerated;  nor  are  the  Burmans  chained 
with  the  iron  prejudices  of  cast.  They  believe  in  the  metemsy- 
chosis,  or  transmigration  of  souls  from  one  body  to  another,  and  that 
after  having  undergone  a  certain  number  of  transmigrations,  their 
souls  will  at  last  be  received  into  their  paradise  on  the  mountain  of 
Meru,  in  the  garden  of  India,  the  seat  of  delights. 

Some  knowledge  of  letters  and  of  writing  appears  to  be  widely, 
perhaps  generally,  diffused  amongst  all  classes,  not  excepting  those 
in  the  lower  walks  of  society.  And  as  they  are  a  lively,  inquisitive 
people,  and  the  maritime  parts  of  the  empire  favourable  to  commer- 
cial pursuits,  little  doubt  can  be  entertained  of  their  rising  in  the  scale 
of  oriental  nations.  The  government,  however,  through  all  its  depart- 
ments, appears  to  be  not  only  despotic,  but  capricious  and  sanguinary. 
A  strong  fact  which  affectingly  illustrates  this  part  of  its  character, 
it  may  not  be  improper  here  to  record.  Among  other  acts  of  savage 
cruelty  with  which  Chenguza,  one  of  the  sovereigns,  is  charged,  is 
his  conduct  towards  his  second  wife,  a  young  woman  of  virtue, 
beauty,  and  accomplishments.  Under  the  impulse  of  sudden  rage,  he 
accused  her  of  infidelity,  and  without  allowing  time  for  cool  judg- 
ment, pronounced  sentence  of  immediate  death.  Accordingly  the 
trembling  and  innocent  victim  was  dragged  from  the  palace,  inclosed 
in  a  sack  of  scarlet  cloth,  richly  ornamented,  and  thus  confined,  was 
put  on  board  a  boat,  the  sack  suspended  between  the  narrow  necks  of 
two  earthen  jars,  and  the  whole  sunk  in  the  deepest  part  of  the  river. 
Other  acts  of  atrocity  not  less  gloomy,  might  be  detailed;  but  the 
mind  revolts  from  the  shocking  recital! 

The  trial  by  oj-deal,  which  forms  a  part  of  their  code  of  laws, 
evinces,  at  once,  their  intellectual  degradation  and  superstitious  ab- 
surdity. The  following  inconsiderable  occurrence  may  serve  as  a 
specimen.  Two  women  having  litigated  a  small  property  in  a  court 
of  justice,  the  judge  finding  it  difficult  to  decide  the  question  of  right, 
it  was  agreed  to  refer  the  matter  to  the  issue  of  an  ordeal.  The  par- 
ties, attended  by  an  officer  of  the  court,  repaired  to  the  water.  After 
certain  prayers  and  ceremonials,  they  waded  in  till  the  water  reached 
as  high  as  their  breasts,  accompanied  by  two  ©r  three  men,  one  of 


32 

whom  placed  them  close  to  each  other,  and  put  a  board  on  their 
heads,  which  he  pressed  down  till  they  were  both  immersed  at  the 
same  instant.  After  continuing  out  of  sight  for  about  one  minute  and 
a  half,  one  of  them  being  nearly  suffocated,  raised  her  head,  while  the 
other  remained  sitting  at  the  bottom,  but  was  immediately  lifted  up  by 
the  man;  after  which  an  officer  of  the  court  pronounced  judgment  in 
her  favour. 

Aside  from  any  reference  to  the  solemn  consideration  of  an  here- 
after, the  state  of  morals  and  of  society,  as  might  indeed  be  expect- 
ed in  a  heathen  country,  is  exceedingly  deplorable;  and  what  fixes 
the  most  reproachful  odium  upon  their  character,  is  the  pitiable 
condition  to  which  their  hateful  principles  and  conduct  have  consign- 
ed their  women.  Even  the  law,  which  should  ever  protect  the  less 
powerful  and  the  innocent,  from  the  insolence  and  outrage  of  the 
stronger,  and  the  flagitious,  in  this  unhappy  country  stamps  a  de- 
grading distinction  between  the  sexes,  wholly  to  the  disadvantage  of 
the  female.  The  evidence  of  a  woman  is  not  received  as  of  equal 
weight  with  that  of  a  man,  and  a  woman  is  not  suffered  to  ascend  the 
steps  of  a  court  of  justice,  but  obliged  to  deliver  her  testimony  on  the 
outside.  The  custom  of  selling  their  daughters,  and  even  their  wives, 
to  strangers,  is  not  unfrequent;  and  however  the  plea  of  pecuniary 
embarrassment  may  be  attempted  to  be  urged  in  its  favour  or  pallia- 
tion, it  cannot  be  regarded  by  civilized  people,  but  with  the  deepest 
abhorrence.  Subdued  by  the  habit  of  inevitable  degradation,  the  unre- 
sisting women  of  Burmah  surrender  themselves  the  victims  of  this 
barbarous  custom  with  apparent  resignation.  Some  of  the  conse- 
quent circumstances  of  their  unfortunate  females,  delicacy  forbids  us 
to  mention,  otherwise  than  in  the  language  of  the  apostle  in  another 
case,  adverting  to  those  things  of  which  it  is  a  shame  even  to  speak. 

Such  is  but  a  very  brief  and  imperfect  outline  of  the  country,  in 
which  Mr.  Carey  has  for  several  years  resided,  and  to  which  a  kind 
Providence  has  recently  conveyed  Mr.  Judson,  and  the  state  of  its 
inhabitants,  among  whom,  for  the  purpose  of  alleviating  their  mise- 
ries, these  zealous  disciples  of  Him  ^  who  went  about  doing  good ,"  and 
others  who  may  follow  them,  rejoice  in  the  prospect  of  wearing  out, 
in  so  benevolent  a  service,  what  little  of  life  may  be  allowed  them  on 
earth.  To  the  eye  of  a  missionary  this  field  presents  an  interesting 
prospect,  and  invites  the  hand  of  cultivation.  Important  by  the  extent 
of  its  own  large  population,  and  still  more  so  by  its  contiguity  to 
China;  the  salubrity  of  its  climate,  favourable  to  the  life  and  activity 
of  missionaries;  the  ability  of  the  natives  generally  to  read  and  write, 
offering  facilities  of  the  utmost  importance  for  putting  them  speedily 
in  possession  of  the  sacred  scriptures;  their  vigor  o!  intellect,  which, 
improved  by  the  energies  of  christian  principle,  may  give  them  a 
commanding  elevation  of  character,  this  empire  presents  a  prospect 
peculiarly  encouraging,  rendered  still  move  hopeful  by  the  favour  of 
government  so  happily  obtained  by  Mr.  Carey,  and  the  providential 
manner  in  which  Mr.  Judson  was  carried  to  Rangoon.  And  surely  the 
moral  miseries  of  the  people  impressively  solicit  *he  charities  of 
christian  benevolence,  uttering  as  with  a  thousand  voices  the  affect- 
ing cry  u  come  over  and  help,  us." 


S3 


Extracts  from  the  Letters  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Judson. 

Mr.  Judson  to  Mr.  Rice. 

"  Rangoon,  25th  August,  1813 
"  Most  Dear  Brother, 

"  I  shall  send  this  to  Calcutta,  requesting  that  it  may  be  forwarded 
to  America,  if  any  opportunity  shall  offer,  by  which  it  may  reach  you, 
before  you  will  probably  have  left.  But  as  I  have  scarcely  any  ex- 
pectation of  this,  I  shall  write  very  briefly. 

u  We  arrived  here  on  the  13th  of  July,  by  the  way  of  Madras.  We 
have  not  yet  seen  brother  Carey.  He  had  been  ordered  up  to  Ava,  to 
vaccinate  some  of  the  royal  family.  We  expect  his  return  within  one 
or  two  months.  We  are  much  pleased  with  Mrs.  Carey. 

"  When  we  arrived  at  Madras,  we  found  no  vessel  bound  to  any  of 
the  Malay  islands.  We  heard  also,  that  our  brethren  at  Bombay  had 
been  ordered  to  England  by  the  Governor  General.  We  expected  to 
share  their  fate  as  soon  as  it  should  be  known  in  Calcutta  that  we 
were  in  Madras.  Our  only  safety  appeared  to  consist  in  taking  pas- 
sage in  a  small  Portuguese  vessel  which  was  to  sail  for  Rangoon  in  a 
fortnight.  This  indeed  was  the  only  vessel  which  would  sail  for  any 
port  before  we  should  receive  an  order  from  Calcutta.  We  had  there- 
fore no  alternative.  We  determined  to  make  the  experiment,  whe- 
ther we  could  live  in  Burmah,  and  if  we  found  it  impracticable,  to  go 
thence  to  Penang,  which  would  not  be  difficult.  But  since  our  arrival, 
we  have  felt  no  desire  to  leave  the  country.  You  know,  we  always  re- 
garded this  station  as  preferable  to  any  other,  'if  it  were  possible  to 
live  here.  Not  only  do  we  find  it  possible  to  live  here,  but  we  are  con- 
tented, and  I  may  add,  far  happier  than  we  once  thought  we  could  be 
in  such  a  country.    ******  «A.  JUDSON." 

Mrs.  Judson  to  her  Parents  and  Sisters,  begun  at  Mauritius,  or  the 
Isle  of  France,  6th  May,  1813,  continued  at  sea,  and  at  Madras,  and 
completed  at  Rangoon,  25th  August. 

"  Port  Louis,  May  6,  1813. 

(*  MY  DEAR  PARENTS  AND   SISTERS, 

"  I  begin  this  letter  as  I  have  most  of  my  others,  without  know- 
ing of  any  opportunity  of  sending  it.  But  the  hope  of  imparting  con- 
solation at  some  future  period,  when  you  may  read  these  lines  from 
your  absent  daughter  and  sister,  induces  me  to  begin  a  letter  which 
I  shall  continue  at  intervals  until  some  opportunity  is  presented  for 
conveyance.  I  frequently  think  of  my  dear  friends  in  my  native 
country,  with  a  mixture  of  sensations.  Sometimes  imagination  pic- 
tures you  all  in  want  and  distress,  occasioned  by  the  war.  At  other 
times  I  see  you  aroused  from  spiritual  stupidity,  and  earnestly  be- 
sieging the  throne  of  grace  for  the  commencement  of  peace,  and 
the  prosperity  of  the  church  in  the  midst  of  calamity.  Our  united, 
feeble  prayers  ascend  with  yours  for  this  richest  of  blessings  on  our 
dear  native  country.  God  grant  that  the  latter  may  be  your  real  si- 
tuation; and  while  you  are  deeply  affected  with  the  condition  of  our 
country,  and  earnestly  pray  that  this  heavy  affliction  may  be  sancti- 
fied for  her  spiritual  good,  we  trust  you  do  not  forget  us  in  a  land  of 

E 


34 

strangers,  or  the  melancholy  situation  of  the  heathen,  with  whoss 
miseries  we  are  daily  acquainted. 

"  Since  Brother  Rice  left  us,  we  have  been  much  more  pleasantly 
situated.than  we  expected.  At  his  departure  we  thought  it  probable 
that  we  should  not  meet  with  a  christian  friend  till  his  return.  But  it 
Was  only  two  or  three  clays  after,  when  a  pious  soldier  came  to  see 
us.  You  can  never  know  how  refreshing  it  is  to  meet  with  a  christian 
in  such  a  vile  land  as  this. 

"  I  think  a  little  account  of  this  soldier  would  be  interesting  to 
you.  When  he  came  to  us,  we  had  all  his  character  to  learn  by  ac- 
quaintance, for  we  had  never  heard  of  him  before.  His  first  appear- 
ance was  solemn,  humble,  and  unassuming;  and  such  we  have  ever 
found  him.  He  told  us  he  was  a  member  of  a  church  that  had  been 
formed  in  one  of  the  regiments  by  the  missionaries  at  Serampore, 
and  that  that  regiment  was  now  on  Bourbon,  a  neighbouring  island, 
but  he  had  been  sent  to  this  island  on  business.  Though  he  is  an 
illiterate  man,  and  has  had  but  few  advantages,  yet  he  converses  on 
the  distinguishing  doctrines  of  the  gospel  with  a  sense  and  propriety 
which  will  too  rarely  be  found  among  christians  in  higher  life. 

"  Mr.  Judson  made  inquiries  of  him  respecting  the  religious  state 
of  the  soldiers  in  this  place,  and  whether  an  opportunity  could  be  had 
of  preaching  to  them.  He  informed  him  that  he  knew  of  but  one 
pious  soldier  in  either  of  the  regiments  on  this  island,  and  that  there 
could  be  no  possibility  of  preaching  to  them,  unless  a  private  room 
could  be  procured  for  the  purpose.  He  immediatelv  made  every 
exertion  to  hire  a  room,  and  at  last  succeeded;  but  was  obliged  to 
give  eight  dollars  a  month,  which  he  has  paid  out  of  his  own  private 
property,  that  his  fellow  soldiers  might  have  an  opportunity  to  hear 
the  gospel.  This  soldier  has  visited  us  almost  every  day  for  two 
months  past,  and  we  have  seldom  found  him  inclined  to  converse  on 
any  other  subject  besides  experimental  religion.  Though  his  income 
is  very  small,  and  he  has  a  family  to  support,  yet  he  has  given  us, 
since  we  have  been  here,  the  value  of  twenty  dollars!  We  have  fre- 
quently observed  that  we  have  seldom  enjoyed  religion  in  so  high  a 
degree  in  the  society  of  any  other,  as  we  have  in  the  conversation 
and  prayers  of  this  man;  and  we  doubt  not,  though  his  situation  in 
life  is  low,  but  he  will  shine  in  heaven  as  a  star  of  the  first  magnitude. 

u  Mr.  Judson  has  preached  every  Sabbath  in  the  hospital  since 
Brother  Rice  left  us,  to  about  sixty  soldiers,  besides  a  number  of 
English  people,  who  have  occasionally  attended.  Th  :diers  appear 
remarkably  solemn  and  attentive,  and  their  officers  say  they  read 
their  bibles  much  more  than  formerly.  Two  or  three  of  the  wives  of 
the  soldiers  appear  to  be  under  conviction,  and  are  anxiously  inquir- 
ing what  they  shall  do  to  be  saved.  Some  of  them  have  visited  me 
frequently  to  get  religious  instruction,  and  appear  to  receive  every 
word,  as  if  their  eternal  all  depended  on  it. 

"  Besides  attending  worship  every  Sabbath  at  the  hospital,  we 
have  attended  a  prayer  meeting  Sabbath  morning,  a  meeting  for  the 
religious  instruction  of  the  soldiers  Sabbath  evening,  and  a  prayer 
meeting  every  Tuesday  and  Thursday  morning,  all  at  the  house  that 
was  procured  by  the  pious  soldier  already  mentioned.  I  hope  much 
good  has  been  done  by  these  little  meetings,  and  the  distribution  of 


35 

religious  tracts.  We  have  taken  much  pleasure  in  attending  them, 
and  it  has  made  the  Sabbath  appear  much  more  like  the  Sabbath 
than  before.  But  Oh,  our  hearts  have  frequently  sunk  within  us, 
when  we  have  been  passing  the  streets  on  this  sacred  day,  to  behold 
the  busy  multitude  thoughtlessly  sporting  away  the  holy  Sabbath,  as 
if  it  had  been  made  only  for  a  day  of  sinful  gratification!  If  an  indi- 
vidual wishes  to  purchase  any  thing  at  a  reasonable  rate,  he  waits 
for  the  Sabbath,  when  the  markets  are  crowded,  and  those  articles 
of  furniture  which  can  be  purchased  at  no  other  time,  are  to  be 
found. 

"  Those  slaves,  who  have  more  indulgent  masters  than  others,  are 
allowed  part  of  the  Sabbath,  as  a  holiday,  when  they  get  together  in 
crowds,  sing,  dance,  and  make  themselves  intoxicated  with  a  kind  of 
spirit  distilled  from  rice,  much  like  our  New-England  rum..  The 
more  refined  and  polite  Frenchmen  attend  the  Roman  Catholic 
church  in  the  morning,  and  spend  the  remainder  of  the  day  in  feast- 
ing, walking,  dancing  and  singing.  I  presume  there  is  no  spot  on 
earth,  where  cruelty  and  licentiousness  more  abound.  We  have  often 
endeavoured  to  mitigate  the  sufferings  of  the  slaves,  by  giving  them 
a  morsel  to  eat,  or  a  few  markees*  when  they  have  appeared  weary, 
and  almost  ready  to  sink  with  hard  labour.  How  often  have  we 
wished  that  our  little  house  was  filled  with  gold,  that  we  might  pur- 
chase all  the  slaves  and  give  them  their  freedom!  But  alas!  we  are 
obliged  to  see  them  suffer,  without  having  it  in  our  power  to  relieve 
them. 

"  As  this  island  has  recently  been  taken  by  the  English,  we  have 
strong  hopes  that  the  slaves  will  see  better  days,  and  that  slavery  will 
gradually  cease  to  exist. 

«  May   10, — At  Sea. 

"  We  have  at  length  obtained  a  passage  for  Madras,  hoping  to  go 
thence  to  Persang,  the  place  of  final  destination.  A  few  days  before 
we  left  Port  Louis,  the  regiment  in  which  a  church  had  been  formed, 
which  I  before  mentioned,  arrived,  and  we  had  the  happiness  of  meet- 
ing with  the  brethren  several  times  for  religious  exercises.  The 
church  at  present  consists  of  but  ten  members.  Formerly  there 
were  between  thirty  and  forty;  but  many  have  apostatized,  and  some 
have  died.  Those  who  remain  are  sensible,  intelligent,  active,  and 
uncommonly  pious  men.  One  of  them  was  set  apart  by  the  mission- 
aries at  Serampore,  as  a  pastor  and  teacher,  to  administer  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  gospel  when  they  are  stationed  in  places  destitute  of 
preachers.  We  were  really  astonished  at  their  knowledge  of  divinity, 
and  their  orthodoxy  of  sentiment,  considering  they  have  seldom  en- 
joyed religious  privileges  except  among  themselves.  They  have 
a  small  library  consisting  of  the  most  spiritual  and  useful  books;  this, 
together  with  the  bible,  and  teachings  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  has  made 
them  eminent  christians.  They  each  take  their  turns  in  leading  in 
prayer,  and  the  propriety  and  fervency  of  their  prayers,  evince  their 
frequency  in  this  duty.  But  our  last  meeting  with  them  was  a  solemn 
affecting  scene,  which  will  not  be  easily  forgotten.  They  were  de- 
sirous to  have  Mr.  judson  administer  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 

*  Sixty-seven  are  equal  to  one  dollar. 


36 

Supper  before  we  left  them;  and  we  were  equally  desirous  of  once 
more  partaking  of  this  solemn  ordinance.  We  accordingly  met  to- 
gether the  morning  we  embarked,  before  light,  and  Mr.  Judson,  for 
the  first  lime,  administered  the  sacrament  to  a  church  consisting  en- 
tirely of  soldiers.  We  were  obliged  to  meet  at  so  early  an  hour,  as 
that  was  the  only  time  when  they  were  free  from  duty.  We  then 
took  an  affectionate  leave  of  them,  expecting  never  to  see  them 
again  till  we  meet  in  heaven.  They  all  wept  at  our  departure,  and 
prayed  the  blessing  of  God  to  attend  us.  But  the  soldier,  whom  I 
have  particularly  described,  and  who  has  been  the  longest  time  with 
us,  was  so  greatly  depressed,  that  it  affected  us  much.  It  was  some 
time  before  he  could  so  far  command  his  feelings  as  to  take  leave  of 
us.  But  we  were  obliged  to  part  with  this  faithful  friend,  who  would 
be  wiljing  to  sacrifice  his  life  for  the  disciples  of  Christ.  We  felt 
happier  in  leaving  the  Isle  of  France,  attended  with  the  prayers  and 
good  wishes  of  these  poor  but  pious  soldiers,  than  if  we  had  received 
the  attentions  of  the  governor,  and  all  his  officers. 

**  We  are  very  comfortably  situated  on  board  this  ship.  We  have 
a  large  cabin  to  ourselves  with  several  windows  in  it,  so  high  from 
the  water,  that  we  can  keep  them  open  even  in  a  heavy  gale  of  wind. 
Attached  to  this  room  is  a  little  closet  with  one  window,  where  we 
can  spend  as  much  time  in  religious  duties  as  we  please. 

"  The  captain,  supercargo,  officers,  and  all  the  passengers,  treat 
us  with  much  politeness  and  respect,  and  seldom  use  any  profane 
language  before  us.  Yesterday  being  the  Sabbath,  the  supercargo 
very  politely  requested  Mr.  Judson  to  give  them  a  sermon.  He 
readily  consented,  and  preached  from  these  words, — 'Who  went 
about  doing  good.'  They  were  very  attentive.  Mr.  Judson  then  re- 
quested the  Captain  that  those  of  the  Lascars*  who  could  understand 
English  might  be  collected,  and  he  would  preach  to  them.  There 
were  immediately  collected  between  twenty  and  thirty;  part  of  them 
Portuguese-Roman-Catholics,  and  part  Hindoo-mussulmen.  They 
seated  themselves  on  the  floor  below.  Mr.  Judson  began  by  saying 
he  had  something  to  tell  them.  This  caught  their  attention,  and  they 
listened  with  eagerness  to  hear  what  it  was.  He  then  told  them  of  their 
lost  state  by  nature,  their  exposedness  to  eternal  wrath,  and  the  way 
to  escape  by  Jesus  Christ.  Among  this  class  of  hearers  there  is  even 
more  hope  of  doing  good  than  among  the  former.  But  it  is  easy  for 
God  to  impress  his  truth  on  either  of  their  minds,  both  equally  be- 
nighted. In  him  is  all  our  hope  of  ever  being  useful  to  any  of  our 
fellow  creatures. 

u  Madras,  June,  21. 

**  MY  DEAR  PARENTS  AND  SISTERS, 

"  I  will  now  continue  this  letter  which  I  began  a  long  time  ago. 
We  arrived  at  Madras  a  fortnight  since,  after  a  pleasant  passage 
from  the  Isle  of  France,  of  one  month.  We  were  very  kindly  re- 
ceived by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Loveless,  with  whom  we  have  resided  since 
our  arrival.  Mr.  Loveless  is  a  missionary  from  the  Society  in  Lon- 
don, and  Mrs.  Loveless  is  an  American  lady  from  New-York.  They 
are  very  pious  people,  and  have  been  instrumental  in  doing  much 

*  Sailors. 


37 

good  in  this  plaee.  Mr.  Loveless  has  a  convenient  chapel,  in  which 
he  preaches  every  Sabbath  to  a  respectable  congregation,  mostly 
Europeans.  We  have  found  many  warm-hearted  Christian  friends 
here  amongst  the  highest  class  of  people.  There  are  three  young 
gentlemen  of  family,  education  and  high  office,  who  are  decided  in 
the  cause  of  Christ,  and  are  not  ashamed  to  separate  themselves 
from  the  world  and  live  devoted  to  God.  We  have  seldom  met  with 
christians,  whose  society  was  more  interesting,  and  whose  conduct 
more  agreeable  to  the  rules  of  the  gospel  than  theirs.  Two  of  them 
have  supplied  us  with  a  horse  and  chaise  to  ride  every  day  since  we 
have  been  here;  and  have  made  us  a  very  handsome  present  of  wines, 
and  other  necessaries  for  the  voyage  which  we  expect  soon  to  make. 
A  Mrs.  Stevens,  and  her  two  daughters,  have  lately  retired  from  the 
world,  and  become  very  serious.  They  called  on  us  soon  after  our 
arrival,  and  begged  of  us  to  visit  them.  We  accordingly  did,  and 
found  them  living  in  a  retired,  simple  way,  though  every  thing 
around  bespoke  their  former  grandeur.  A  few  days  after  our  visit, 
we  received  a  handsome  billet  from  them,  saying,  we  should  ob- 
lige them  much  by  accepting  a  few  things  they  had  taken  the 
liberty  to  send.  Accompanying  the  billet  were  two  large  trunks, 
filled  with  the  following  articles:  A  large  handsome  mattress  with 
pillows,  several  pair  of  sheets,  and  pillow  cases,  one  counterpane, 
four  pieces  of  very  nice  cambrick,  containing  twelve  yards  each,  a 
few  yards  of  linen  cambrick,  a  nice  straw  bonnet,  ten  pair  of  super- 
fine English  stockings,  several  neck  and  pocket  handkerchiefs,  a 
bundle  of  thread,  tape,  pins,  buttons,  Sec. — a  bundle  of  spices,  a 
large  bundle  of  biscuit,  a  jar  of  pickles,  and  one  of  preserved  beef, 
for  our  voyage;  besides  a  number  of  other  articles  of  wearing  appa- 
rel. We  were  perfectly  astonished  at  such  a  valuable  present  from 
persons  with  whom  we  had  so  recently  become  acquainted.  But  it 
rejoices  our  hearts  to  find  that  God  has  a  few  children  scattered  about 
in  almost  every  part  of  the  world,  who  manifest  their  love  to  him, 
by  contributing  to  the  wants  and  necessities  of  those,  whose  professed 
object  is  to  spread  the  gospel. 

"  Immediately  after  our  arrival  here,  we  made  enquiries  respect- 
ing a  passage  to  Penang,  but  found  there  was  no  ship  to  sail  for  that 
place  for  some  time;  but  there  was  one  to  sail  for  Rangoon  in  a  few 
days.  We  thought  it  not  safe  to  continue  here  long,  lest  the  govern- 
ment at  Calcutta  should  hear  of  our  arrival,  and  send  an  order  for  us 
to  go  to  England.  Consequently  we  have  engaged  a  passage  in  the 
ship  which  sails  for  Rangoon,  in  a  day  or  two.  If  we  find  it  possible 
to  live  there  we  shall  continue,  if  not  we  can  easily  take  passage 
thence  to  Penang.  But  I  think  it  probable  we  shall  stay  there, 
though  deprived  of  many  of  the  comforts  of  life;  as  that  is  one  of 
most  important  missionary  fields  in  this  part  of  the  world,  and  but 
one  solitary  missionary*  in  the  whole  empire.  My  heart  often  sinks 
within  me,  when  I  think  of  living  among  a  people,  whose  tender 
mercies  are  cruel.  But  when  I  think  of  their  miserable  state  in  be- 
ing destitute  of  the  gospel,  and  that  it  is  easy  for  our  heavenly  Father 
to  protect  us  in  the  midst  of  danger,  I  feel  willing  to  go,  and  live, 

Mr.  Felix  Carey,  son  of  Dr.  Carey  of  Sersmpore. 


38 

and  die  among  them;  and  it  is  our  daily  prayer  that  it  may  please 
God  to  enable  us  to  continue  there.  Farewell  to  the  comforts  and 
conveniences  of  civilized  life, — farewell  to  refined  christian  society! — 
We  shall  enjoy  these  comforts  no  more!  But  we  think  it  will  be  a 
good  place  to  grow  in  grace,  to  live  near  to  God,  and  be  better  pre- 
pared to  die.  O  my  dear  parents  and  sisters,  how  little  you  know 
what  you  enjoy  in  your  quiet  homes,  with  all  the  comforts  of  life! 
How  little  you  know  how  to  prize  dear  christain  society,  as  you  have 
never  been  deprived  of  it!  How  little  you  can  realize  of  the  toils 
and  perplexities  of  traversing  the  ocean, — and  how  little  you  can 
know  of  the  solid  comfort  of  trusting  in  God,  when  dangers  stand 
threatening  to  devour!  But  these  privations,  these  dangers  and  toils, 
these  comforts  are  ours, — and  we  rejoice  in  them,  and  think  it  an 
inestimable  privilege  that  our  heavenly  Father  has  marked  out  for 
us  this  path  in  life. 

"  Rangoon,  July  30,  1813. 
"  In  the  land  of  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death,  I  again  take 
my  pen,  my  dear  parents  and  sisters,  to  communicate  some  of  the 
dealings  of  Providence,  both  merciful  and  afflictive.  We  staid  at 
Madras  only  a  fortnight,  when  we  embarked  on  board  a  Portuguese 
vessel  for  this  place.  I  had  procured  a  European  woman  servant  to 
go  with  us,  as  it  was  not  thought  prudent  to  go  without  one.  She 
went  on  board  two  days  before  us,  and  when  we  went  on  board  she 
appeared  in  perfect  health.  We  had  but  just  entered  the  ship  when 
she  fell  on  the  floor,  apparently  in  a  fit.  We  made  every  possible 
effort  to  recover  her,  but  she  gasped  a  few  times  and  died!  The  ex- 
ertion I  made  to  recover  her,  together  with  the  shock  my  frame  and 
feelings  received  at  her  sudden  decease,  brought  me,  also,  near  the 
gates  of  death.  I  indeed  thought  the  time  of  my  departure  was  at 
hand,  and  that  all  my  toils  and  perplexities  were  ended.  I  had  no 
physician,  no  medicine,  and  no  attendant  but  Mr.  Judson.  Add  to  this, 
we  were  in  a  small  dirty  vessel,  which  was  kept  in  continual  motion 
by  the  violence  of  the  wind  and  sea.  Perfect  ease  and  quiet  seemed 
absolutely  necessary  to  my  recovery;  but  these  it  appeared  impossi- 
ble to  obtain.  But  all  things  are  possible  with  God;  and  we  were 
never  so  sensible  of  his  care  and  protection,  as  at  this  time.  In  the 
midst  of  our  darkness  and  distress,  and  when  we  had  given  up  all 
hope  of  my  recovery,  our  captain  informed  us  that  we  were  close  to 
the  Andaman  Islands,  and  that  we  could  escape  being  driven  on  to 
them  in  no  way  but  by  going  through  a  narrow  channel  between  two 
of  them.  We  were  in  much  danger,  but  the  vessel  was  almost  per- 
fectly still,  as  we  were  in  smooth  water,  as  soon  as  we  entered  the 
channel,  the  wind  being  broken  by  the  islands.  Thus  I  obtained  that 
ease  and  quiet  which  but  a  few  moments  before  seemed  impossible  to 
obtain.  We  were  three  weeks  on  our  passage,  and  when  we  arrived, 
I  was  not  able  to  walk,  nor  had  I  even  left  my  bed  for  half  an  hour. 
We  felt  very  gloomy  and  dejected,  the  first  night  we  arrived,  in  view 
of  our  prospects;  but  we  were  enabled  to  lean  on  God,  and  to  feel 
that  he  was  able  to  support  us  under  the  most  discouraging  circum- 
stances. The  next  morning  I  prepared  to  go  on  shore,  but  hardly 
knew  how  I  should  get  to  Mr.  Carey's  house,  as  there  was  no  method 
of  conveyance,  except  a  horse,  while  I  was  not  able  to  ride.    It  was 


39 

however  concluded  that  I  should  be  carried  in  an  arm  chair;  conse- 
quently when  I  landed,  one  was  provided,  through  which  were  put 
two  bamboos,  and  four  of  the  natives  took  me  on  their  shoulders., 
When  they  had  carried  me  a  little  way  into  the  town,  they  set  me 
down  under  a  shade,  when  great  numbers  of  the  natives  gathered 
around,  as  they  had  seldom  seen  an  English  female.  Being  sick 
and  weak,  I  held  my  head  down,  which  induced  many  of  the  native 
females  to  come  very  near,  and  look  under  my  bonnet.  At  this  I 
looked  up  and  smiled,  at  which  they  set  up  a  loud  laugh.  They  again 
took  me  up  to  carry,  and  the  multitude  of  natives  gave  a  shout  which 
much  diverted  us.  They  next  carried  me  to  a  place  they  call  the 
custom  house.  It  was  a  small  open  shed,  in  which  were  seated  on  mats 
several  natives,  who  were  the  custom  house  officers.  After  search- 
ing Mr.  Judson  very  closely,  they  asked  liberty  for  a  native  female 
to  search  me,  to  which  I  readily  consented.  I  was  then  brought  to 
the  mission  house,  where  I  have  entirely  recovered  my  health.  We 
felt  a  great  disappointment  in  not  finding  Mr.  Carey  at  home,  as  we 
were  previously  acquainted  with  him,  having  seen  him  in  Calcutta. 
He  was  ordered  up  to  the  capital  by  the  king,  to  vaccinate  some  of 
the  royal  family.  Mrs.  Carey  is  a  native  of  the  country,  though  of 
European  extraction.  She  speaks  very  little  English,  but  is  very 
kind,  and  does  every  thing  to  make  us  comfortable.  The  house  is 
large  and  convenient,  made  wholly  of  teak  wood;  but  the  inside  is 
unfinished,  and  the  beams  and  joists  all  bare.  It  is,  however,  the 
largest  and  handsomest  house  in  all  Rangoon. 

"  As  it  respects  our  food,  we  get  along  much  better  than  we  ex- 
pected. There  is  here  no  bread,  butter,  cheese,  potatoes,  nor  scarcely 
any  thing  that  we  have  been  in  the  habit  of  eating.  Our  principal 
food  is  rice,  and  corried  fowl,  and  fowls  stewed  with  cucumbers. 
But  we  are  blest  with  good  health,  and  good  appetites,  and  feel,  that 
instead  of  murmuring,  that  we  have  no  more  of  the  comforts  of  life, 
we  have  great  reason  to  be  thankful  that  we  have  so  many.  There 
are  no  English  families  in  Rangoon,  and  but  one  French  family. 
There  is  not  a  female  in  all  Burmah  with  whom  1  can  converse. 
Two  or  three  French  gentlemen,  who  speak  English,  constitute  the 
whole  of  our  society. 

We  devote  our  lime  almost  entirely  to  the  acquirement  of  the  lan- 
guage, which  we  find  difficult.  But  with  hard  labour  and  perseve- 
rance, I  doubt  not  but  we  shall  be  able  to  write,  read,  and  speak  it,  in 
two  or  three  years  with  ease.  The  country  presents  a  rich,  beautiful 
appearance,  every  where  covered  with  vegetation,  and  if  cultivated, 
would  be  one  of  the  finest  in  the  world.  But  the  poor  natives  have  no 
inducement  to  labour  or  raise  any  thing,  as  it  would  probably  be  taken 
from  them  by  their  oppressive  rulers.  Many  of  them  live  on  leaves 
and  vegetables  that  grow  spontaneously,  and  some  actually  die  with 
hunger.  Every  thing  is  extremely  high,  therefore  many  are  induced 
to  steal  whatever  comes  in  their  way.  There  are  constant  robberies 
and  murders  committed;  scarcely  a  night  but  houses  are  broken  open3 
and  things  stolen.  But  our  trust  and  confidence  are  in  our  heavenly 
Father,  who  can  easily  preserve  and  protect  us,  though  a  host  should 
encamp  about  us.  I  think  God  has  taught  us  by  experience,  what  it  is 
to  trust  in  him,  and  find  comfort  and  peace  in  feeling  that  he  is  every 


40 

where  present  O  for  more  ardent,  supreme  love  to  him,  and  greater 
willingness  to  suffer  in  his  cause! 

"Rangoon,  dug.  8, 1813. 

"  I  again  take  my  pen,  though  I  have  nothing  new  to  communi- 
cate, yet  I  feel  a  pleasure  and  satisfaction  too  great  to  be  neglected, 
in  writing  to  those  dear  friends  whom  I  never  expect  to  see  again, 
till  I  meet  them  in  the  eternal  world.  I  know  every  thing  respecting 
us  will  be  highly  interesting  to  you,  therefore  I  am  particular  to  write 
every  little  incident.  As  Mrs.  Carey  has  the  whole  care  of  the  family, 
being  familiar  with  the  language,  and  having  several  servants  at  her 
command,  I  am  free  from  every  concern  of  this  nature,  and  can  de- 
vote all  my  time  to  study.  We  rise  at  six  in  the  morning,  commence 
study  at  seven,  breakfast  at  eight,  and  after  breakfast  have  family 
worship.  We  then  go  to  our  study,  and  attend  to  the  language  closely, 
till  half  past  one,  when  we  dine.  We  generally  exercise  for  half  an 
hour  after  dinner,  then  attend  to  our  study  again  till  near  sunset, 
when  we  take  a  walk,  either  out  among  the  natives,  or  in  our  veran- 
dah; take  tea  at  dark,  after  which  we  have  family  worship,  then  study 
till  ten,  at  which  hour  we  retire.  I  go  to  bed  feeling  as  much  fatigued 
as  any  farmer  can  after  a  hard  day's  work.  I  find  it  no  easy  thing  to 
acquire  a  foreign  language;  and  though  our  teacher  says  we  gain 
rapidly,  yet  we  can  hardly  perceive  that  we  make  any  advance.  It  is 
a  most  beautiful,  easy  language  to  write,  but  very  difficult  to  read,  or 
pronounce. 

"  Our  teacher  is  a  good  natured,  intelligent  man.  He  sits  in  a  chair 
by  us,  or  will  eat*  with  us,  the  same  as  an  American.  When  he  first 
came,  he  paid  very  little  attention  to  me,  appearing  to  feel  that  it  was 
rather  beneath  him  to  instruct  a  female,  as  the  females  here  are  held 
in  the  lowest  estimation.  But  when  he  saw  I  was  determined  to  per- 
severe, and  that  Mr.  Judson  was  as  desirous  to  have  hirn  instruct  me, 
as  himself,  he  was  more  attentive. 

"  From  our  first  embarking  for  India,  we  have  at  times  had  our  eye 
on  this  empire,  as  our  final  residence;  but  we  have  been  repeatedly 
discouraged  by  the  dreadful  accounts  we  had  of  the  ferocity  and  bar- 
barity of  the  natives,  together  with  the  many  privations  we  must  suf- 
fer among  entire  heathen.  Several  missionaries  have  made  an  attempt 
to  reside  here,  but  have  been  discouraged,  and  left  without  effecting 
any  thing.  And  some  of  these  missionaries,  we  had  reason  to  think, 
possessed  much  more  piety  and  devotedness  to  missions  than  our- 
selves. No  wonder  then  we  were  discouraged.  But  after  our  heavenly 
Father  had  severely  tried  us,  in  causing  us  to  be  driven  from  place 
to  place,  he  shut  up  every  other  door,  and  at  last  made  us  feel  willing 
to  take  our  lives  in  our  hands,  and  come  to  this  heathen  land  to  spend 
the  remainder  of  our  days.  But  will  you  believe  me  when  I  say  we  are 
cheerful  and  happy?  Though  we  find  the  government  and  people  just 
as  we  expected;  though  we  find  ourselves  destitute  of  almost  all  those 
sources  of  enjoyment  to  which  we  have  been  accustomed,  and  are  in 
the  midst  of  a  people,  who  at  present  are  almost  desperate  on  account 
of  the  scarcity  of  provision;  though  we  are  exposed  to  robbers  by  night 
and  invaders  by  day,  yet  we  both  unite  in  saying,  we  were  never 
happier,  never  more  contented,  in  any  situation,  than  the  present.  We 

•  It  is  contrary  to  cast  for  a  Hindoo  to  eat  with  a  Christian. 


41 

feel  that  this  is  the  post  that  God  hath  appointed  us,  that  we  are  in  the 
path  of  duty,  and  in  a  situation,  which,  of  all  others,  presents  the 
most  extensive  field  for  usefulness.  And  though  we  are  surrounded 
with  danger  and  death,  we  feel  that  God  can  with  infinite  ease  pre- 
serve and  support  us  under  the  most  heavy  sufferings. 

"  But  for  these  feelings  we  are  indebted  wholly  to  the  free,  rich, 
and  sovereign  grace  of  our  Redeemer,  and  still  dependent  on  him 
for  a  continuance  of  them;  for  it  is  not  three  months  since,  that  I 
looked  at  this  situation  with  all  that  dread  and  horror  which  you  can 
imagine.  It  is  our  daily  prayer  that  we  may  be  continued  here,  and 
made  a  blessing  to  the  poor  Burmans,  who  are  daily  perishing  for 
lack  of  knowledge.  But  we  mourn  our  unfitness  to  be  engaged  in  the 
great  work  of  communicating  religious  knowledge  to  the  dark,  be- 
nighted mind  of  a  heathen.  Our  only  hope  is  in  God.  We  know  that 
he  can  bless  his  own  truth  to  the  salvation  of  sinners,  though  it  may 
be  communicated  in  ever  so  broken  a  manner,  and  by  the  meanest  of 
his  creatures.  We  rejoice  that  this  great,  this  powerful  God  is  our 
Father  and  our  Friend,  and  has  opened  a  way  of  access  for  us  sinners, 
and  has  commanded  us  to  open  our  mouths  wide,  with  the  promise 
that  he  will  fill  them.  He  hath  also  said  that  he  will  give  the  heathen 
to  his  Son  for  an  inheritance,  and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for 
his  fiossession.  We  cannot  but  hope  the  glorious  day  is  drawing  near, 
when  this  promise  will  be  fulfilled;  and  that  among  other  heathen  na- 
tions, Burmah,  cruel,  avaricious,  idolatrous,  Burmah,  will  say  to 
Jesus,  What  have  I  any  more  to  do  with  idols?  come  thou,  and  reign 
over  us.  O  my  dear  parents  and  sisters,  pray  for  us,  that  we  may  be 
humble,  prayerful,  and  entirely  devoted  to  the  cause  of  Christ.  Pray 
for  these  poor  people,  who  have  altars  and  temples  in  high  places  for 
the  worship  of  the  prince  of  darkness.  They  are  immortal  like  our- 
selves, they  are  bound  to  the  same  eternity  with  us,  and  like  us  are 
capable  of  enjoying  or  suffering  endless  happiness  or  eternal  misery. 

"  Aug.  25.  As  I  have  a  good  opportunity  of  sending  to  Calcutta,  I 
will  now  finish  this,  and  direct  it  to  be  sent  by  the  first  ship  which 
sails  for  America.  But  I  know  not  that  it  will  ever  reach  you.  I  would 
write  letters  to  all  my  friends,  if  I  thought  there  was  much  proba- 
bility of  their  ever  reaching  home.  It  is  now  a  year  and  a  half  since 
we  left  America,  and  we  have  not  received  a  single  letter,  or  heard 
any  thing  from  any  of  our  friends.  How  would  it  rejoice  our  hearts 
to  receive  a  large  packet  of  letters  from  our  native  country!  O  do  not 
forget  us  in  your  prayers;  go  to  God  often  on  our  account,  and  pray 
for  spiritual  blessings  on  us,  and  on  this  people.  Mr.  Judson  joins 
with  me  in  all  my  requests  and  wishes.  He  will  write  to  his  parents, 
therefore  he  has  not  lime  to  write  to  you. 

u  Your  affectionate  daughter  and  sister, 

«  N.  JUDSON." 

Mr.  Judson  to  Rev.  Mr.  Emerson,  of  Beverly,  Mass. 

"  Rangoon,  7th  January,  1814. 
"  Dear  Brother, 
«  It  is  nearly  a  year  since  I  wrote  to  America,  my  last  being  for- 
wards:'! by  brother  Rice.  1  have  had  no  opportunity  of  conveyance 
sine:;  that  time;  nor  have  I  any  at  present.  I  intend  to  send  this  t* 

F 


42 

England,  hoping  that  on  its  arrival  the  war  may  have  terminated,  or 
that  it  may  find  a  conveyance  in  some  dispatch  vessel. 

"  We  have  been  here  about  six  months;  have  been  living  in  the 
mission  house  with  brother  Felix  Carey's  family,  but  expect  in  a  few 
days  to  take  a  house  within  the  walls  of  the  town,  on  account  of  the 
bands  of  robbers,  which  infest  all  the  country,  and  which  have  lately 
become  very  numerous  and  daring.  Our  situation  is  much  more 
comfortable  than  we  ever  expected  it  would  be  in  such  a  country. 
We  enjoy  good  health,  and  though  deprived  of  all  congenial,  chris- 
tian society,  are  very  happy  in  each  other;  I  think  we  frequently 
enjoy  His  presence,  whose  smile  can  turn  the  darkest  night  to  day, 
and  whose  favour  is  the  fountain  of  all  happiness.  "  Peace  I  leave 
with  you,  my  peace  I  give  to  you,"  said  our  departing  Saviour;  and 
the  faithfulness  of  his  words  we  richly  experience. 

"  In  all  the  affairs  of  this  government  despotism  and  caprice  are 
the  order  of  the  day.  The  present  viceroy  of  this  province  is  a  savage 
m^n  Life  and  death  depend  upon  his  nod.  He  is  very  large  in  stature; 
and  when  he  stalks  about  with  a  long  spear,  every  body  shrinks  from 
before  him.  I  called  on  him  once,  but  he  scarcely  looked  on  me  Nancy 
waited  on  her  Highness  and  was  much  better  received.  This  man 
however  is  about  to  be  recalled  to  Ava,  and  it  is  doubtful  whether  he 
will  return.  During  the  interim  we  expect  all  things  will  be  in  confu- 
sion, and  this  is  one  reason  why  we  desire  to  get  within  the  walls. 

"  My  only  object  is  at  present  to  prosecute,  in  a  still  and  quiet 
manner,  the  study  of  the  language,  trusting  that  for  all  the  future 
"  God  will  provide."  We  have  this  consolation  that  it  was  the  evident 
dispensation  of  God,  that  brought  us  to  this  country;  and  still  farther, 
if  "  the  world  was  all  before  us,  where  to  choose  our  place  of  rest," 
we  should  not  desire  to  leave  Burmah.  And  our  chief  anxiety  is  that 
brother  Rice  may  not  be  able  to  join  us  again.  But  even  this  we  de- 
sire to  leave  in  his  hands,  who  doth  all  things  well.  We  cannot  ex- 
press our  longing  to  hear  once  more  from  our  country. 
"  Your  affectionate  brother  in  the  Lord  Jesus, 

"A.  JUDSON." 


BAPTIST  MISSION  IN  THE  EAST. 

The  measures  of  the  Board  intended  to  diffuse  the  knowledge  of  Christianity 
in  the  east,  have  originated  in  so  close  a  connexion,  and  must  ever  sustain  so 
intimate  a  union  of  object,  wi'h  the  operations  of  our  English  brethren 
in  India,  as  to  render  it  pleasing  and  proper  to  present  some  account  of  their 
excellent  establishment.  This  will  be  clone  to  best  advantage  by  re-printing, 
as  published  by  the  Society  in  England,  a  "  Brief  Statement  of  the  Baptist 
JMission  in  the  East." 

"  This  undertaking  had  its  origin  amongst  the  churches  of  the  Northamp- 
tonshire and  Leicestershire  Association.  On  June  3d,  1784,  at  the  Association 
at  Nottingham,  it  was  agreed  to  hold  a  prayer-meeting  for  the  general  spread 
of  the  gospel  on  the  evening  of  the  first  Monday  in  every  month.' In  this  prayer- 
meeting  Christians  of  other  connexions,  denominations,  and  countries  soon- 
united,  and  continue  to  unite  to  this  da)'. 


43 

"  About  three  years  after  this,  Mr.  Carey  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  church, 
at  Moult  in,  ;ind  joined  the  Association.  His  mind  from  an  early  period  seems 
to  have  been  impressed  with  the  state  of  the  heathen  world.  In  reference  to 
this  object  he  made  himself  acquainted  with  the  geography,  population,  .,nd 
religion  of  the  various  nations  of  the  earth;  and  with  the  labours  of  Christians, 
both  of  early  and  later  ages,  in  propagating"  the  gospel  He  also  acquired  some 
considerable  knowledge  of  the  learned  languages.  The  subject  having  occu- 
pied so  much  of  his  attention,  he  would  often  converse  upon  it  with  oilier  mi- 
nisters. At  length,  after  having  been  seven  years  engaged  in  praying  for  the 
spread  of  the  gospel,  some  began  to  feel  with  Mr.  Carey,  that  they  ought  to 
do  something  else  as  well  as  pray.  Two  sermons  by  Mr.  Sutcliffand  Mr.  Ful- 
ler, the  one  on  Jealousy  for  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  and  the  other  on  The  pernicious  in- 
fluence of  delay,  made  some  impression.  These  were  printed  and  followed  by 
Mr.  Carey's  Inquiry  into  the  obligations  of  Christians  to  use  means  for  the  conversion 
of  the  heathen-  A  very  impressive  sermon  was  also  preached  by  Mr.  Carey  at 
the  Nottingham  Association  on  Zion's  enlargement,-  and  a  pungent  Circular 
Letter,  written  on  Godly  Zeal,  by  Mr.  Ryland.  The  result  was,  that  on  O.tober 
2d,  the  same  year,  (1792)  a  Society  was  formed  at  Kettering  for  the  propaga- 
tion of  the  gospel  among  the  heathen;  and  John  Ryland,  Reynold  Hogg,  William 
Carey,  John  Sutcliff,  and  Andrew  Fuller,  chosen  as  a  Committee  to  carry  the 
object  into  execution. 

"  At  that  time  we  knew  of  no  one  part  of  the  heathen  world  that  was  more 
accessible  and  eligible  than  another:  all  that  the  Committee  seemed  to  have  to 
do  therefore,  was  to  pray  for  divine  direction,  and  watch  for  the  openings  of 
providence.  In  about  six  weeks  they  were  informed  that  Mr.  John  Thomas, 
who  had  been  over  to  Bengal  in  the  character  of  a  surgeon,  and  had  there 
learned  the  language,  and  begun  to  preach  the  gospel  to  the  natives,  was  then 
in  London,  endeavouring  to  establish  a  fund  for  a  mission  to  that  country,  and 
that  he  was  desirous  of  engaging  a  colleague  to  return  with  him  to  the  work. 
This  concurrence  of  events  was  considered  as  providential;  and  after  further 
inquiries  concerning  Mr.  Thomas,  and  much  conversation  with  him,  it  was  re- 
solved that  he  and  Mr.  Carey  should  go  out  as  missionaries  from  this  Society. 

"  Having  but  a  few  months  to  execute  this  resolution,  applications  were 
made  for  assistance  to  ministers  and  congregations  in  different  parts  of  the 
kingdom;  who  to  their  honour,  and  our  encouragement,  amply  supplied  our 
wants  We  asked  for  500/.  and  they  gave  1,000/.  But  He  who  had  all  hearts  in 
his  hand  knew  our  wants  better  than  we  knew  them  ourselves:  by  the  time  that 
the  missionaries  and  their  families  had  embarked  it  was  found  that  the  collec- 
tions did  but  little  more  than  cover  the  expenditures.  This  was  in  June  1793. 

"  In  the  autumn  of  that  year  the  missionaries  safely  arrived.  After  encoun- 
tering many  difficulties,  they  were  invited  by  George  Udney,  Esq.  to  take  the 
oversight  of  two  indigo  factories  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Malda.  Circum- 
stanced as  they  were,  they  readily  accepted  the  invitation,  considering  it  as 
equally  adapted  to  introduce  the  gospel,  and  to  furnish  immediate  support  to 
them  and  their  families.  From  this  time  till  the  autumn  of  1799  they  were  em- 
ployed in  learning  the  language,  in  preaching  at  the  factories  and  in  the  sur- 
rounding country,  and  in  translating  the  New  Testament.  During  these  six 
years  covenants  were  granted  them  by  the  Company's  Government,  and  Mr. 
John  Fountain  went  over  and  joined  them.  There  were  also  several  hopeful 
appearances  of  conversion  among  the  natives;  but  no  one  was  induced  to  re- 
nounce his  cast,  and  in  the  end  all  which  had  encouraged  them  seemed  to 
prove  abortive. 

"In  1799  four  more  missionaries  were  sent  out:  namely,  Messrs.  Ward, 
Marshman,  Grant,  and  Brunsdon  Not  having  obtained  permission  from  the 
Directors  at  home,  they  were  not  allowed  on  their  arrival  to  join  their  brethren 
up  the  country,  but  found  themselves  compelled  to  stop  at  Serampore,  then  a 
Danish  settlement.  The  Governor  treated  them  with  great  kindness,  and  offer- 
ed them  all  the  protection  in  his  power.  On  Lord's  day,  October  27,  they  had 
public  worship.  The  same  day  Mr.  Grant  was  taken  ill,  and  four  days  after 
died!  Mr.  Ward  went  up  the  country  to  consult  with  Mr.  Carey  on  what  was 
to  be  done.  The  result  was,  as  the  newly  arrived  missionaries  were  not  allow- 


44 

ed  to  go  up  and  settle  with  him  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Malda.he  resolved  to 
•ome  down  and  settle  with  them  at  Serampore.  Such  was  the  occasion  of 
the  mission  being  removed  to  that  settlement.  It  was  mere  necessity  on  the 
part  of  the  missionaries;  the  hand  of  God  however  in  reducing  them  to  that 
necessity  has  since  been  apparent.  It  was  from  this  turn  in  their  affairs  that 
the  most  important  events  have  arisen,  both  as  to  the  printing  of  the  scriptures 
and  the  success  of  the  mission. 

"The  first  object  of  attention  was  to  settle  a  plan  of  family-government;  one 
article  of  which  was  that  no  one  should  engage  in  any  private  trade;  but  that  -what- 
ever -was  acquired  by  any  member-  of  the  family  should  go  into  the  common  stock. 
"  On  the  observation  of  this  rule,"  they  say,  "  depends  the  prosperity  of  the 
mission;  as  by  this  all  avaricious  exertion  is  checked,  and  trade  subordinated 
to  a  nobler  object."  By  this  great  and  disinterested  resolution  of  the  missiona- 
ries, they  are  enabled,  after  providing  a  comfortable  home  for  the  bereaved 
•widows  and  children,  and  aiding  their  aged  and  afflicted  relatives  in  England, 
to  furnish  several  thousands  annually  to  the  mission.  Soon  after  this  an  estate 
containing  a  house  and  other  buildings,  with  a  large  garden,  was  purchased, 
of  which  they  became  the  trustees  in  behalf  of  the  Society  in  England;  and 
which  was  afterwards  considerably  enlarged  by  two  other  purchases.  The 
New  Testament  being  translated  into  Bengalee  by  Mr.  Carey,  a  press  was  set 
up  under  the  superintendanee  of  Mr.  Ward  for  the  printing  of  it.  The  first 
sheet  was  worked  off  on  May  16,  1800.  At  the  same  time  also,  the  missiona- 
ries were  diligent  in  preaching  the  word  in  the  town  and  neighbourhood.  A 
spirit  of  earnest  prayer  for  a  divine  blessing  was  evidently  poured  out  upon 
them.  In  August  Mr.  Fountain  died.  In  October  (a  year  after  their  arrival) 
Mr.  Ward  and  Mr.  Marshman  began  preaching  to  the  natives  in  their  own  lan- 
guage. Mr.  Thomas  about  the  same  period  visited  Serampore,  and  with  the 
other  brethren  was  much  in  earnest  in  seeking  the  salvation  of  the  natives.  In 
December  Krishnoo  (now  a  useful  minister  of  the  gospel)  and  Mr.  Carey's 
eldest  son  Felix  were  baptized.  This  was  a  season  of  great  joy  to  the  mis- 
sionaries. "  The  door  of  faith,"  said  they,  "is  opened;  who  shall  shut  it?  The 
chain  of  the  cast  is  broken;  who  shall  mend  it?" 

"From  that  time  to  the  present  the  number  of  christian  converts  has  gra- 
dually increased  They  have  lost  several  of  their  brethren  in  the  mission  by 
death,  but  have  been  recruited  by  others.  A  considerable  number  of  the  na- 
tives also  have  become  preachers  of  the  word.  Instead  of  one  church  the}r  are 
now  become  seven,  and  are  increased  from  one  station  to  nine.  In  November 
1808  there  had  been  baptized  in  all  the  churches  147.  In  the  three  succeeding 
years  have  been  added  280;  so  that  their  number  at  the  close  of  1811  amounted 
to  upwards  of  400  The  number  of  exclusions  does  not  appear  to  exceed  that 
from  the  same  number  of  members  in  any  of  our  churches.  Of  those  that  have 
died,  their  latter  end  has  generally  borne  testimony  to  the  efficacy  of  faith. 

"  In  1803  apian  was  laid  by  the  missionaries  for  the  translation  of  the  scriptures 
into  various  Eastern  languages,  which  they  have  ever  since  been  carrying  into 
execution.  The  whole  Bible  is  printed  in  the  Bengalee;  and  the  New  Testa- 
ment in  Sungskrk,  Orissa,  Hindee,  and  Mahratta.  Of  seven -others,  namely,  the 
Seik,  the  Telmga,  the  Kurnata,  the  Barman,  Magudha,  and  the  Chinese,  some 
are  in  the  press,  some  translated,  and  some  translating.  The  population  of  the 
countries  already  in  possession  of  the  New  Testament,  and  parts  of  the  old, 
amounts  to  more  than  50  millions!  It  might  be  expected  that  the  competency  of 
the  translators  would  by  some  persons  in  India  or  in  England,  be  called  in  ques- 
tion; and  tliis  it  has  been  Suffice  it  to  say  in  answer,  that  these  suggestions 
have  proceeded  neither  from  learned  natives,  nor  from  Europeans  who  under- 
stand the  languages  into  'which  the  translations  are  wade.  No  deep  or  lasting  in- 
jury therefore  can  arise  from  them.  Providence  has  shielded  the  reputation  of 
the  Serampore  translators  by  one  of  them  being  a  professor  of  three  languages 
in  the  College  of  Fort  William,  and  all  of  them  employed  by  the  first  Society 
in  the  world  of  Eastern  literature,  (and  whose  principal  members  reside  on 
the  spot,)  in  translating  and  printing  the  most  learned  of  the  Hindoo  pro- 
ductions. 

"  In  1806  ground  was  purchased  for  building  a  chapel  in  one  of  the  most 
populous  but  profligate  parts  of  Calcutta.  The  work  was  obstructed  for  a  time, 


45 

but  has  since  been  accomplished,  and  a  strong  impression  made  upon  the  inha- 
bitants of  that  great  and  idolatrous  city.  By  the  labours  of  the  missionaries 
and  the  native  preachers  there  are  accessions  almost  every  month  from 
amongst  Hindoos,  Musulmans,  Portuguese-catholics,  Armenians,  or  Country- 
born  Europeans 

"  At  the  beginning  of  1810  a  free-school  was  instituted  at  Calcutta  by  the 
mission  .ries  in  favour  of  the  children  of  the  Portuguese-catholics  and  other  in- 
digent christians;  and  which,  by  the  introduction  of  the  plan  of  teaching  sug- 
gested by  Dr  Bell  and  improved  by  Mr.  Lancaster,  promises  to  be  of  great 
importance  in  promoting  the  best  interests  of  the  country.  The  missionaries 
are  now  building  a  place  90  feet  by  70,  which  it  is  calculated  will  contain  800 
children     It  is  situated  near  the  chapel,  and  supported  by  subscription. 

"  The  annual  expenditure  of  this  mission  at  home  and  abroad,  exclusive  of 
the  translations,  amounts  it  present  to  Jtve  or  six  thousand  pounds.  It  lias  not  ~ost 
the  public  however  upon  an  average,  during  the  twenty  years  of  its  continu- 
ance, more  than  two  thousand  per  annum,-  and  out  of  this,  there  are  buildings 
and  other  accommodations  for  the  mission,  to  the  value  of  six  or  eight  thou- 
sand pounds,  which  remain  the  property  of  the  Society. 

"  It  is  owing,  doubtless,  to  the  unexampled  contributions  of  the  Serampore 
missionaries  that  things  have  hitherto  been  thus  conducted.  This  however 
will  not  be  considered  by  the  friends  of  the  undertaking  as  rendering  their 
exertions  the  less  necessary,  but  rather  as  an  incitement  to  emulation.  Not 
only  the  translations,  but  the  greater  number  of  missionary  stations  depend 
upon  the  public  for  support.  Eight  of  these  stations,  besides  that  at  Serampore 
and  Calcutta,  are  already  established;  viz.  Dinagepore,  Goumalty,  Cutvia,  Jessore, 
Rangoon,  Orissa,  Patna,  and  Jlgra.  That  at  Agra  was  formed  the  last  year,  and 
another  would  have  been  attempted,  but  that  the  missionaries  judged  it  neces- 
sary to  regulate  their  expenditures  by  their  resources.  Two  others  it  is 
expected  may  be  formed  in  the  present  year;  one  at  Java,  and  another  at 
Ceylon."  "  ANDREW  FULLER,  Secretary." 

Kettering,  July  27,  1812. 

State  of  this  Mission  by  the  latest  information  extracted  from  a 
"  Brief  View  of  the  Baptist  Missions  and  Translations"  &?c. 

"This  society,"  (the  one  formed  at  Kettering,  Eng.  1792,  "for  the  propaga- 
tion of  the  gospel  among  the  heathen")  "  is  conducted  by  a  Committee,  which 
at  first  consisted  of  Jive  persons,  but  now  of  thirty  four,-  chiefly  ministers  who 
are  chosen  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Society,  held  alternately  at  Kettering 
and  Northampton. 

"  The  funds  of  the  Society  are  divided  into  two  branches;  one  for  the  Mis- 
sion, and  the  other  for  the  Translations  of  the  Scriptures.  Its  resources  consist  of 
annual  subscriptions,  Auxiliary  Societies,"  (of  which  there  are  51)  "  donations 
from  Bible  and  other  Associations,  congregational  collections,  and  legacies. 

"The  missionary  stations  amount  to  twenty,  some  of  which,  as  Sirdhana 
and  Amboyna,  must  be  full  4000  miles  distant  from  each  other. 

"  The  station  at  Serampore  was  established  in  1799,  about  six  years  after  tbe 
arrival  of  Messrs.  Thomas  and  Carey  as  missionaries  in  India.  Serampore  is 
about  fifteen  miles  north  from  Calcutta,  on  the  western  bank,  of  the  river 
Hoogly.  The  principle  on  which  they  agreed  to  act  was,  that  no  one  should  en- 
gage in  any  private  trade,  but  that  whatever  -was  procured  by  any  member  of  the  fa- 
mily should  be  appropriated  to  the  benefit  of  live  mission.  It  is  on  this  principle  that 
Dr.  Carey  in  the  College,  Dr  Marshman  in  the  school  and  Mr.  Ward  in  the 
printing  office  have  each  contributed  considerably  more  than  1000/.  a  year  to 
the  undertaking.  The  premises  occupied  for  the  mission  cost  near  4000/.  ster- 
ling, were  purchased  at  three  different  times;  and  are  vested  in  the  missiona- 
ries as  trustees  for  the  Society.  They  contain  dwelling-houses  fin-  the  mission- 
aries, school-rooms  and  a  spacious  hall  for  public  worship;  also  a  printing  of- 
fice in  which  ten  presses  are  constantly  employed;  a  type  foundery,  in  which  are 
cast  types  for  the  greater  part  of  the  eastern  languages;  and  a  mill  for  mak- 
ing paper,  which  is  expected  to  cost  10,000  rupees."  (5,000  dollars  nearly) 
"  At  this  station  the  translation  of  the  Scriptures  has  been  carried  to  an  ex- 
tent exceeding  all  expectation  and  example.  The  missionaries,  by  their  own 


46 

Society,  by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  by  the  liberality  of  the  chris- 
tian public  in  Britain  and  America,  and  by  their  own  literary  labors,  have  been 
enabled,  in  different  degrees,  to  translate  the  Scriptures  into  twenty-seven  lan- 
guages, and  to  print  them  in  nearly  the  same  number,  affording  a  prospect  of 
the  most  important  advantages  to  the  immense  population  of  Asia. 

"  Amongst  the  Hindoos  who  have  been  baptized,  many  are  Brahmans,  and 
others  of  high  cast.  Early  in  the  year  1813,  several  of  this  description,  not 
many  miles  from  Serampore,  obtained  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  and  met 
for  christian  worship  on  the  Lord's  days,  before  they  had  any  intercourse  with 
the  missionaries,  simply  by  reading  the  Scriptures.  These  were  soon  after- 
wards baptized,  and  reported  that  by  the  same  means  as  many  as  a  hundred  of 
their  neighbours  were  convinced  of  the  truth  of  the  christian  religion,  and 
were  kept  back  from  professing  it  only  by  the  fear  of  losing  cast,  and  its  con- 
sequences. In  Calcutta  and  its  vicinity  seven  native  brethren  were  employed 
in  preaching,  &.c.  Sebukram  preaches  in  twenty  different  places;  Bhagvat,  at 
eleven;  Neelo,  in  about  ten  private  houses;  Manika,  at  six  others.  These  four 
preach  regularly  during  the  week  at  forty-seven  different  houses. 

"  It  is  a  general  practice  with  the  missionaries  to  distribute  at  their  various 
stations,  and  in  their  vicinity*  portions  of  the  Scriptures  and  religious  tracts  in 
the  vernacular  languages.  The  effect  in  exciting  an  interest  and  inquiry  after 
the  knowledge  of  the  gospel  is  great;  and  many  particularly  of  late,  are  the  in- 
stances of  conversion  by  means  of  the  Scriptures  alone,  -without  the  intervention  of  any 
missionary.  All  the  churches  that  have  been  formed,  with  the  exception  of 
Calcutta,  have  natives,  or  brethren  born  in  the  country,  for  their  pastors.  It  is 
highly  gratifying  to  observe,  that  all  the  parts  of  divine  worship  and  of  discipline  have 
been  performed  by  ?iatives  alone,  ivithout  the  presence  or  assistance  of  Europeans. 
'There  have  beeu  baptized  at  all  the  stations  considerably  more  than  five  hundred 
persons,  on  a  profession  of  "  repentance  towards  God,  and  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ."  Some  of  these  had  been  Brahmans  of  the  higher  casts. 

"  In  all  the  native  schools  there  are  upwards  of  one  thousand  children.  Hea- 
then schoolmasters  teach  them  to  read  the  Scriptures  without  any  hesitation. 
"May  it  not  be  hoped,"  says  Dr.  Carey,  "that  in  time  this  system  of  educa- 
tion will  sap  the  bulwark  of  heathenism,  and  introduce  a  change  which  will 
be  highly  important  in  its  consequences  to  the  people  of  the  east." 

"  The  number  of  persons  employed  by  this  mission,  at  the  twenty  stations, 
including  Europeans  and  natives,  at  the  close  of  1813,  was  forty  one;  of  these, 
twelve  are  Europeans,  thirty-two  natives,  or  descendants  of  Europeans  raised  up 
in  the  country.  Three  others  have  since  sailed  from  England:  some  of  whom 
have  arrived.  The  missionaries  at  Serampore  have  adopted  the  plan  of  sending 
natives  as  itinerants,  two  together,  accordingto  the  example  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
to  preach  to  their  countrymen." 

"  Chinese. — This  language,  in  the  character  peculiar  thereto,  is  read  not 
only  throughout  China,  but  Cochin  China,  Tonquin,  and  Japan.  Before  the 
translation  into  the  Chinese  is  finally  printed,  it  undergoes  nine  or  ten  revisions. 
Preparations  are  making  for  printing  the  Old  and  New  Testament  in  the  Chi- 
nese with  moveable  metal  types,  a  great  improvement  on  the  old  Chinese  way 
of  cutting  them  in  wooden  blocks.  At  Serampore  they  can  be  printed  at  one 
third  of  the  expense  it  would  cost  in  China. 

"In  translating,  preparing  the  types,  and  printing  the  Chinese  Scriptures, 
sixteen  men  are  employed. 

"  It  will  be  difficult  to  appreciate  the  advantages  of  printing  the  Scriptures 
In  a  language  spoken  by  upwards  of  three  hundred  millions  of  people;  and  in 
particular  at  Serampore,  a  place  secure  from  all  interuption  from  Chinese  edicts 
and  mandates,  and  from  whence  the  Chinese  Scriptures  can  be  continually 
sent  to  the  Birman  empire,  to  Java,  Amboyna,  Penang,  the  Isles  of  the  Sea, 
and  thence  find  their  way  into  the  very  heart  of  the  Chinese  empire. 

"  The  missionaries  are  now  employed  in  translating  the  Scriptures  into  twen- 
ty-seven languages;  and  to  assist  in  this  noble  work,  they  have  persons  from 
all  these  people,  nations,  and  languages,  at  Serampore  or  Calcutta.  Having 
proceeded  thus  far,  and  encouraged  by  their  great  success,  they  entertain  the 
animating  hope  of  extending  the  translation  of  the  Scriptures  to  all  the 
languages  of  the  East." 


47 


The  following  Tables  exhibit  at  a  single  view  their  several  Stations  and 
Missionaries,  and  also  the  Translations. 


Missionary  Stations. 

MISSIONARIES. 

Schools  are  marked 

Miles  from 

When 

thus  t 

Calcutta. 

Formed 

Europeans.                              Natives. 

1.  Serampore  and  ~> 
Calcutta,!        5 

1799 

Drs.  Carey  and  Maishman,  Messrs.  Ward, 

Lawson,  Eustace  Carey,  Yates  — Krishna, 

Sebuckrama,  Bhagvat,  JYeelo,  Manika, 

Jahans,  and  Caifhano. 

2.  Dinagepore  and  7 

Sadamahl,f      5 

3.  Cutwa,f 

240  N. 

1804 

Mr.  Ignatius  Fernandez. 

75  N. 

1807 

Mr.  William  Carey,  Kangalee,  Muthoora, 

Vishnuva,  Buluram,  and  Kanta. 

4.  Rangoon, 

670  S.  E. 

1807 

Mr.  Adoniram  Judson,  American. 

5.  Jessore, 

77  E.  N.  E 

1807 

Messrs.  William  Thomas,  Pran-das,  Pran- 
Krishna,  Suphul-rema,  Punchanun,  Ma- 
nika-sha,  and  Nurottuma. 

6.  Goamalty,f 

200  N. 

1808 

Ram  Prasad. 

7.  Digah, 

320  N.  W. 

1809 

Messrs.  Moore  and  Rowe,  and  Brindabuni. 

8.  Balasore, 

120  S.  W. 

1810 

Messrs.  John  Peter  and  Juggunafha. 

9.  Agra,f 

800  N.  W. 

1811 

Messrs  Peacock  and  Mcintosh. 

10.  Nagpore,t 

11.  CoIumbOjf 

615  W. 

1812 

Mr. ,  and  Ram-mohun. 

1220  S.  S.  W. 

1812 

Mr.  Chater. 

12.  Patna.f 

320  N.  W. 

1812 

Mr.  Thonison. 

13.  Bombay  &  Surat, 

1010  w. 

1812 

Mr.  Carapeit  Aratoon. 

14.  Chittagong, 

230  E. 

1812 

Mr.  IJu  Bruyn. 

15.  Sirdhana,-!" 

920  N.  W. 

1813 

Mr.  Chamberlain,  and  Purum-anunda. 

16.  Java,f 

2350  S.  S.  E. 

1813 

Messrs  Robinson,  and  Riley. 

17.  Pandua,f 

310  N.E. 

1813 

Krishnoo. 

18.  Ava, 

500  E. 

1813 

Mr.  Felix  Carey. 

19.  Amboyna,f 

3230  S.  E. 

1814 

Mr.  Jabez  Carey  and  Mr.  Trowt. 

20.  Allahabad, 

490  W.N.  W. 

1814 

Mr.  J\f.  Kerr,  and  Kureem. 

Versions  of  Scripture  Translating  or  Printing  at  Seramfiore, 


1.  Sungskrit. 

2.  Hindee. 

3.  Brij  Bhasa. 

4.  Mahratta. 

5.  Bengalee. 

6.  Orissa. 

7.  Teliuga. 

8.  Kurnata. 

9.  MalHivian. 

10.  Gujurattee. 

11.  Bulochee. 


12.  Pushtoo. 

13.  Punjabee. 

14.  Kashmeer. 

15.  Assam. 

16.  Burmau. 

17.  Pali. 

18.  Chinese. 

19.  Khasee. 

20.  Sindh. 

21.  Wuch. 

22.  Nepala. 


23.  Birkaneera. 

24.  Oodaypoora. 

25.  Marwa. 

26.  Jypoora. 

27.  Kunkuna. 

28.  Tamul. 

29.  Cingalese. 

30.  Armenian. 

31.  Malay. 

32.  Hindostan. 

33.  Persian. 


Table  of  the  Associations. 


1707 

17  51 
17:6 
1766 


1767 
1771 

1772 
1776 
1780 

1782 
1783 


1784 
1785 


1786 
1787 
1788 

1780 

1790 

1790 
1791 


1792 
1793 


179ft 


Philadelphia, 

Charleston, 

Sandy  Creek, 

Ketoekton, 

Strawberry, 

Warren, 

Kehukee, 

Stonington, 

Red  Stone, 

Shaft  sbury, 

Salisbury, 

Dover, 

Middle  District, 

Woodstock, 

Georgia, 

Elkhorn, 

Groton  U.  Conf. 

New  Hampshire, 

Salem, 

Vermont, 

Holston, 

Bowdoitiham, 

Roanoke, 

Bethel. 

Meredith, 

Hartford, 

Portsmouth, 

Yadkin, 

Albemarle, 

Goshen, 

New-York, 

Sl.iloh , 

Warwick, 

Baltimore, 

Leyden, 

New  River, 
Pates  Creek, 

Flat  River, 

Hephzibah, 

Neuse, 

Delaware, 

Faiifield, 

Otsego, 

Chemung, 

Rensselaerville, 

Miami, 

Bracken, 

Ma>  o, 

Sarepta, 

Mountain, 

Broad  River, 

Green  River, 

Cayuga, 

Sturbridge, 
1802IEssex. 


1797 
1798 


1799 
18(M 


Penn 

S.  C. 

N.  C. 

Va. 

Va. 

R.I. 

N.  C. 

Con. 

Penn, 

Vt. 

Md. 

Va. 

Va. 

Vt. 

Geo. 

Ky. 

Con. 
H. 

Ky. 

Vt. 

Ten. 

Me. 

Va. 

S.  C. 

N.  H. 

Con. 

Va. 

N.  C. 

Va. 

Va. 

N.  Y. 

Va- 

N.  Y. 

Md. 

Mass. 

Va. 

Ky. 

N.  C. 

Geo. 

N  C. 

Del. 

Vt. 

N.  Y. 

N.  Y. 

N.  Y. 

Ohio, 

Ky. 

Va. 

Geo. 

N.  C. 

S.  C. 

Ky. 

NY. 

Mass. 

N.  Y. 


24  160 

39,225 


*1 

■a  i  g 
§1 

ill 

OS 


2597  2j 
3756  2S 


4108  29 
1961 j 18 
3007  22 

3599 
428 

11 

1802  23 
.3333 
2697112 
1357,11 
1849  19 


17S7 
859 

17j'J 


150  2446 
863 


76  1970 

107; 1591 
41U279 
33  949 
1861 


Place  of  Meeting. 


1815. 


Time  of  Meeting. 


Philadelphia,  1st.  chh.  1st.  Tuesday,  3  Oct.  3  P.M. 

Calvary  chh.  Sumter  dis.  S.  C.  Sat.  bef.  1  Sab.  4  Nov.  11  A.M. 

i  October. 

Happy  Creek,  Frederic  co.  Va.'Thurs.  before  3  Sab.  17  Aug. 


Middleborough,  3d.  chh.  Mass. 
Fishing  Creek,  Halifax  co.  N.C 
Stonington,  Conn. 

Newtown,  N.  Y. 

Bethel,  Sussex  county,  Del. 

Glebe  landing.  Middlesex c.Va. 

Muddy  Creek,  Powhatan  c.  Va. 

Windsor,  Vermont, 

Long  Creek,  Warren  co. 

Town  Fork, 

Lyme,  Conn. 

Lebanon,  Maine, 

4|Rupert,  Vermont, 

3 

2  Bowdoin,  Maine, 


Colebrook.  Conn. 
South  Quay,  Virginia, 


New-York,  Gold  st.  church, 
13!  10  Luray,  Shenandoah  co.  Va. 
16;  3  Latintown, 

Old  Seneca,  Montgomery  co. 

Royalston,  Mass. 


17! 


961 
1422 
10  59 

476 

536 
1606114 

66l|  7 
1233  17 
12 


1391  19 

13  1237114 

2469!  13 

1937,17 

208 


1  Grassy  creek  chh.  Gran.c.N.C 
6  Buckhead  chh.  Buck  co. 

2  Hadnot's  creek,  Carteret  c.N.C 
Cow  Marsh, 

Johnson,  Vermont, 
Newport,  N.  Y. 
Elmyra, 
Lexington,  N.  Y. 


Buffaloech.  York  district,  S.C. 
Beaver  Dam  chh.  Warren  co, 
Brutus,  N.  Y. 
Helchertown,  Mass. 
Eltzabethtown, 


Tues.  after  1  Wed.  12  Sept. 
Sal.  bef.  1  Sab.  7  Oct.  10  A.M. 

3  Wed.  18  Oct.  10  A.  M. 
Sept.  1809. 

1  Wed.  7  June,  10  A.  M. 
Sat.  bef.  4  Sab.  20  Oct. 

2  Sat.  14  Oct.  12  o'clock. 
2  Sat.  14  Oct. 

Last  Wed.  27  Sept.  1  P.  M. 
Sat.  bef.  2  Sab.  7  Oct. 
2  Sat.  12  Aug. 

Wed.  af.  3  Sab.  21  June.  1  P.M. 
2  Wed.  14  June,  10  A.  M. 
2  Frid.  13  Oct. 

1  Wed.  4  Oct.  10  A.  M. 

2  Friday,  11  Aug. 

4  Wed.  27  Sept.  10  A.  M. 

Sat.  bef.  1  Sab.  Oct.  30  Sept. 

2  Wed.  13  Sept.  10  A.  M. 
1  Wed.  4  Oct.   10  A.  M. 
Sat.  bef.  4  Sab.  27  May. 

1  Sat.  7  Oct. 

3  Sat.  15  Oct. 

2  Wed.  10  May,  2  P.  M. 
Frid.  bef.  1  Sab.  1  Sept. 

1  Wed.  7  June,  2  P.  M. 

Frid.  bef.  2  Sab.  8  Sep.  11  A.M 

2  Wed.  11  Oct.  1  P.  M. 

August,  1806. 
Sat.  bef.  4  Sab.  22  April. 
Sat.  bef.  4  Sab.  23  Sept. 
Sat.  bef.  3  Sab.  14  Oct.  11  A.M 
Sat.  bef.  1  Sab.  3  June,  11  A.M 
Last  Wed.  30  Aug.  10  A.  M. 
1  Wed.  6  Sept.  10  A.  M. 

1  Wed.  4  Oct.  10  A.  M. 

2  Wed.  11  Oct.  10  A.  M. 
Sat.  bef.  2  Sab.  9  Sept. 

Sept.  1809. 
June. 
Oct.  1812. 

Frid.  bef.  3  Sab.  13  Oct. 

4  Sat.  22  July. 

3  Wed.  20Stpt.  10  A.  M. 

Last  Wed.  27  Sept.  10  A.  M.       I 
2  Wed.  13  Sept. 


49 


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s 

CO   co 

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JS 

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Cm 

0 

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Hi 

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Cw 

if 

£ 

o 

'-'S 

Cm 

B 

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U 

°.s 

O 

r. 

p. 

&  i  a 

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js 

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CU 

8 

5 
ft 

16 

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— c       '.C 

03     :'a 

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13 

s 

- 

3 

1815. 

1 

$ 

JH 

c3 

16 

H    jO 
859 : 13 

Place  of  Meeting. 

Time  of  Meeting. 

56 

1802 

North  Bend, 

Ky. 

4th  Friday,  22  September. 

57 



North  District, 

Ky. 

27 

30 

19S0| 

Cane  Spring  M.H.  Madison  c. 

First  aat.  5  Aug. 

5S 



Savannah  River, 

Geo. 

33 

285 

5953114 

4 

Springtown,  Barnwell  dis.  S.C. 

Sat.  bef.  4  Sab.  25  Nov. 

59 



South  District, 

Ky. 

Sept.  1807. 

60 



Tennessee, 

Ten. 

Oct.    1809. 

61 

1803 

Cumberland, 

Ten. 

Sept.  1812. 

62 



Long;  Run, 

Ky. 

Sept.  1812. 

63 

— — 

Saluda, 

S.  C. 

is 

131 

1310 

11 

5 

Clear  spring  M.H.Greenville  d 

Sat.  bef.  2  Sab.  12  Aug. 

64 

1804 

Appomattox, 

Va. 

Mountain  creek,  P*  Edward  e. 

2  Sat.  12  Aug. 

64 



Lincoln, 

Me. 

50 

2629  ]  27 

6 

St.  George,  Maine, 

3  Wed.  20  Sept.  10  A.  M. 

66 



Meherrin, 

Va. 

16 

784 

9 

Mecklenburg,  Virginia, 

Sat.  bef.  4  Sab.  22  April. 

67 



Russel's  Creek, 

Ky. 

Sept.  1811. 

68 



Stockton's  Valley 

Ky. 

Sept.  1811. 

69 

~— 

Union, 

Va. 

70 

1805 

Cape  Fear, 

N.  C. 

25 

69 

1541 

17 

1 

Beulah,  Samson  co.  N.  C. 

Sat.  bef.  2  Sab.  7  Oct.  11  A.M. 

71 



Emancipating  so. 

Ky. 

12 

6 

5 

Newhope  M.  H.  Woodford  co. 

Friday  bef.  3  Sat.  15  Sept. 

72 



Saratoga, 

N.  Y. 

23 

20H 

2785 

13 

5 

M.H.  of  Kingsburg  Ik  Hartford 

Last  Wed.  28  June,  10  A.  M. 

73 



Scioto, 

Ohio, 

10 

10 

408 

Big  Bottom  church,  Ross  co. 

Sat.  bef.  2  Sab.  7  Oct.  11  A.M. 

7-1 

1806 

Chowan, 

N.  C. 

23 

198 

203o 

8 

8 

Outlaws  chapel, 

Sat.  bef.  2  Sab.  13  May. 

75 



Country  Line, 

N.  C. 

11 

110 

1015 

11 

1 

Wheeley  M.H.  Person  eo.  N.C. 

Sat.  bef.  5  Sab.  29  July. 

re 

— — ' 

Raleigh, 

N.  C. 

19 

56 

1178 

Rocky  Spring,  Johnson  c.  N.C. 

Sat.  bef.  2  Sab.  7  Oct.  11  A.M. 

77 



Red  River, 

Ten. 

19 

49 

1001 

14 

3 

Spring  creek  of  Red  ri.  Rob.  c. 

Sat.  bef.  2  Sab.  12  Aug. 

78 

1807 

Abington, 

Perm. 

3 

264 

5 

1 

Mount  Pleasant,  Penn. 

1  Wed.  6  Sept.  10  A.  M. 

79 

■ 

Barre, 

Vt. 

11 

384 

3  Wed.  20  Sept.  1  P.  M. 

80 



French  Broad, 

N.  C. 

14 

596 

August,  latter  part. 

8! 



Green  Brier, 

Va. 

8 

3 

2 

Biglevels  church, 

9  September. 

82 



Jlissisippi, 

Mis.T. 

23 

106 

1071 

13 

Sarcpta  church, 

Sat.  bef.  3  Sab.  14  Oct. 

83 

1808 

Accomack, 

Va. 

8-1 



Black  River, 

N.  Y. 

11 

442 

7 

2 

Turin,  N.  Y. 

2  Wed.  14  June,  10  A.  M. 

85 



Edgefield, 

S.  C. 

37 

2970 

Sat.  bef.  3  Sab.  16  Sept.. 

86 



Elk  River, 

Ten. 

Oct  1812. 

87 



Madison, 

N.  Y. 

32 

2489 

24 

6 

2  Wed.  13  Sept. 

88 

1809  Beaver, 

Ohio, 

12 

464 

6 

3 

19  Aug.  1813-. 

89 



Dublin, 

N.  H. 

10 

580 

6 

3  Wed.  18  Oct. 

90 



Lake  George, 

N.  Y. 

Sept.  1812. 

9i 



Licking, 

Ky. 

30 

9 

887 

Bryan's. 

2  Sat.  9  Sept. 

92 



Wabash, 

I.  T. 

9 

312 

6 

September. 

93 



White  Water, 

I.  T. 

15 

619 

7 

4 

Elkhom,  Wayne  co.  I.  T. 

3  Frid.  IS  Aug.  11  A.  M. 

94 



Union, 

N.Y. 

12 

704 

8 

1  Wed.  6  Sept. 

95 

1810 

Concord, 

Ten. 

30 

64 

2146 

13 

5 

Overal's  creek  M.  H.  Ruth.  co. 

Sat.  bef.  2  Sab.  9  Sept.  10  A.M 

96 



Cumberland, 

Me. 

24 

1265 

18 

1 

Minot,  Maine, 

Wed.  af.  4  Wed.  Sep.  4  Oct. 

97 



Danville, 

Vt. 

(0 

269 

5 

Craftsbury,  Vermont, 

3  Wed.  21  June,  1  P.  M. 

98 



Ockmulgee, 

Geo. 

Sept.  1812. 

99 

1811 

Boston, 

Mass. 

a* 

118 

2917 

21 

3 

Boston,  3d  church,  Mass. 

3  Wed.  20  Sept.  10  A.  M. 

100 



Franklin, 

N.  Y. 

17 

67 

1275 

12 

2 

Franklin, 

3  Wed.  20  June,  10  A.  M. 

101 



Hoi.  Pur.  Conf. 

N.Y. 

11 

349 

3 

4 

Hamburg,  N.  Y. 

3  Wed.  20  Sep. 

102 



New  Jersey, 

N.J. 

21 

54 

1887 

14 

5 

Salem,  N.  J. 

3  1  ties.  19  Sept.  2  P.  M. 

10.5 



Silver  Creek, 

I.  T. 

11 

337 

6 

August. 

104 



Washington, 

Ten. 

106 



Westfield, 

Mass. 

7 

636 

7 

Hinsdale,  Mass. 

1  Wed.  6  Sept.  10  A.  M. 

106 

1812 

St.  Laurence, 

N.Y. 

5 

83 

1 

107 



Straight  Creek, 

Ohio, 

6 

e 

105 

9 

Hillsborough,  Highland  co.  Oh. 

Frid.  bef.  4  Sab.  25  Aug. 

108 

1813 

Little  River, 

Ten. 

109 

1814 

Ebenezer, 

Geo. 

110 

1  Flint  River, 

M.  T. 

17 

35 

1021 

8 

5 

Enon,  Briar-Fork  of  Flint  riv. 

1  Sat.  bef.  1  Sab.  Oct.  30  Sept. 

111' 

Burning  Spring, 

Ky. 

11 

22 

403 

South  fork  ch.Licking,Floyd  c. 

1  Sat.  7  Oct. 

112 , 

Mad  River, 

Ohio, 

113! 

Ontario, 

N.Y. 

2S 

1285 

22 

September. 

1H| 

Sab.  G.  Conf. 

115 



Yearly  Meeting, 

R.I. 

16 

1339 

12 

Swansea,  Mass. 

Frid.  bef.  2  Sab.  8  Sep.  10  A.M. 

ahe  preceding  list  may  be  added  Tazes''  Valley,— the  name  of  this  Association  appears  on  the  Minutes  of 
3reen  Brier  Association,  a  copy  of  which  has  been  forwarded  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Alderson.  together  with  a 
dly  letter,  since  the  former  uait  of  the  Renort  was  ill  nn>«.<i. 


.  To 

the  Green  _ 
friendly  letter,  since  the  former  part  of  the  Report  was  in  press. 


G 


50 

In  the  preceding  Table  it  is  much  regretted  that  so  many  blanks  were  un- 
avoidably left  for  want  of  information.  It  is  hoped  the  Associations  will  sea- 
sonably forward  their  Minutes  the  ensuing  year  to  the  Corresponding  Secre- 
tary of  the  Board,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Staughton  of  Philadelphia;  and  that  they  will 
exhibit  such  numerical  indications,  and  such  statements  in  their  Minutes 
respectively,  as  will  assist  the  Board  in  their  next  Report  to  return  the  said 
Table  without  blank  or  deficiency;  that  the  whole  denomination  may  be  seen 
in  a  single  view. 

This  Table  is  arranged  numerically  according  to  the  order  of  the  times 
when  the  Associations  were  constituted.  Several  Associations  being  found  to 
have  been  constituted  in  the  same  year,  are  ranged  in  relation  to  each  other, 
alphabetically.  Those,  the  date  of  whose  constitution  has  not  yet  been  ascer- 
tained, are  placed  after  the  others,  ranged  also  alphabetically.  Should  it  be  dis- 
covered that  any  mistake  has  been  made,  it  is  hoped  that  information  of  it  will 
be  communicated,  that,  in  a  future  Report,  such  mistake  may  be  corrected. 
A  few  of  these  statements  are  taken  from  minutes  of  1813;  but  most  of  them 
from  minutes  of  1814,  and  from  letters  which  individuals  have  been  so  good 
as  to  write  and  forward.  While  future  communications  ;«re  respectfully  soli- 
cited, grateful  thanks  are  tendered  for  those  which  have  been  received. 


DOMESTIC  MISSIONS, 

By  -which  is  meant  missions  in  such  parts  of  our  country  as  -would,  otherwise,  remain- 
destitute  of  the  regular  preaching  of  the  gospel. 

Upon  this  article  it  would  afford  much  pleasure  to  enlarge  were  sufficient 
documents  in  hand,  and  could  the  limits  of  this  Report  permit.  By  their  mi- 
nutes it  appears  that  the  Cumberland,  Vermont,  Shaftsbury,  Sturbridge,  Boston, 
Warren,  New  yersey,  Philadelphia,  Otsego,  and  Cayuga  dissociations,  and  perhaps 
others  whose  minutes  have  not  come  to  hand,  extend  a  generous  and  active 
patronage  to  exertions  of  this  nature.  Others  are  about  commencing  efforts  of 
the  same  kind.  In  connexion  with  the  I,eyden,  and  the  Savannah  River,  and 
probably  others,  Societies  for  the  same  purpose  have  for  some  time  existed.  In 
New  York  city,  besides  the  exertions  of  the  Gold  street  church,  which  have 
been  considerable,  is  a  similar  society;  and  one  in  North  Carolina.  One  in  Phi- 
ladelphia and  one  in  Boston,  patronized,  as  just  intimated,  by  the  Philadelphia 
and  Boston  Associations.  With  peculiar  satisfaction  it  is  perceived  that  the  at- 
tention to  foreign,  has  in  several  instances,  revived  the  spirit  of  domestic  mis- 
sions, and  even  originated,  or  excited,  a  regard  to  this  subject  in  places  where, 
before,  it  either  did  not  exist,  or  was  totally  inactive.  This  is,  indeed,  conceived 
to  be  the  manifest  tendency  of  efforts  to  impart  the  gospel  to  the  heathen.*  So 
that  those  who  patronize  foreign  missions,  while  they  enjoy  the  satisfaction 
inseparable  from  pious  exertions  to  diffuse  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  into  dis- 
tant parts  of  the  world,  have,  at  the  same  time,  the  consolation  of  perceiving- 
that  these  evangelical  charities  return  with  blessings  on  our  own  land,  and 
promote  the  preaching  and  influence  of  the  gospel  at  home.  On  this  subject  in- 
formation is  solicited,  and  the  hope  entertained,  that,  in  a  future  Report,  the 
Board  will  be  able  to  present  a  view  of  it  more  particular,  ample,  and  satis- 
factory. 


*  The  beneficial  tendency  of  foreign  missionary  efforts  in  relation  to  domes- 
tic missions,  has  been  very  apparent  in  England.  Not  only  has  village  preaching 
been  greatly  promoted  as  one  etfect  of  these  efforts,  but  recently  lias  been 
established  in  London  The  Baptist  Society  for  promoting  the  Gospel  in  Ireland 
Surely  chc  scripture  saith  not  in  vain — "the  liberal  soul  shall  be  made  fat;  and  '  * 
that  r.'atereth  shall  be  watered  also  himself." 


51 

STATE  OF  THE  FUNDS. 

D.  C. 

1814.        By  balance  in  the  treasury,  as  per  "  Proceedings  of  the 

Convention,"  p.  37.  (20  dolls,  the  translation,)       -  1556  68 

May  28,  By  cash,  by  Rev.  Dr.  Baldwin,  from  Newark,  N.  J.  10  00 

By  donation  of  the  Hon.  Judge  Tallmadge,  New- York,         100  00 

July  19,  By  remittance  from  the  Delaware  B.  S.  lor  F.  Missions,  42  60 

August  5,  By  remittance  from  Baptist  M.  Society  in  R.  I.  .  332  04 

By  ditto  the  Bap.  Soc.  for  Prop.  gos.  in  India,  ike.  1101  71 

By  ditto  ditto  for  Rev.  A.  Judson,  -  -  50    0 

By  ditto  ditto  for  translations,  -         -  -  -         48  29 

By  ditto  ditto  for  American  Missionaries  in  Asia,  -         20  00 

By  ditto  ditto  towards  establishing  a  branch  of  the  Biblio- 

theca  Biblica,  Calcutta,  Prince  of  Wales'  Island,  &c.        30  00 

Nov.  5.  By  remittance  from  the  Bap.  Soc.  in  Troy,      -  -  53  47 

19,  By  ditto  the  New- York  Bap.  Soc.  for  Foreign  Missions,        221  00 

1815  Jn.  7,  By  interest  of  United  States'  stock,         -  -  -  37  50 

18,   By  remittance  from  the  Utica  B  Soc.  to  aid  in  F.  Missions-,     100  00 

Mar.  18,  By  ditto  the  Salem  Bib  Trans,  and  For  Mission  Soc.  773  29 

By  ditto  the  Neuse  Association,  N.  C.  -  -  24  00 

By  ditto  the  Evan.  Soc.  Bristol  and  Newport  Cos.  R.  I.       55  26 

By  ditto  the  Soc.   for  Wor.   Co.  and  vicinity  Aux.  &c. 

(§3  03  for  translation,)  -  -  -  .  50  00 

By  ditto  the  Bap  F.  M.Soc  of  New  Jersey,         -  .       137  i£ 

By  cash  thro'  the  hands  of  Mr.  Rice,  from  various  sources,   514  21 

Mar.  20,  By  remittance  from  the  Rensselaerville  Association,  N.  Y.      24  00 

By  ditto  the  Madison  Association,  N.  Y.  -  -  42  00 

By  ditto  the  Licking  Asso.  (for  Proceedings  of  the  Con.)  K.     3  87 

Ap.  7,  By  interest  on  the  United  States'  stock,  -  .  37  50 

9,  By  remittance  from  the  Bap.  Soc.  for  prop.  Gos.  in  India,  &c.     78  00 

29,  By  ditto  the  Evan.  Soc.  Bristol  and  Newport  Co.  Aux.  &c.     100  00 

By  ditto  a  Mis.  Soc.  connected  with  the  Sturbridge  Asso;      100  00 

May  1,  By  ditto  the  N.  Y.  Mid.  Dis.  Soc.  Auxiliary,  81c.  *      -  100  00 

3,  By  ditto  the  N.  Y.  Bap.  Female  Soc.  for  F   M.  -  189  46 

By  3  shares  in  the  Bank  of  Amer.  presented  by  a  lady, 

10,  By  balance  of  accounts  with  Mr.  Rice,  -  -  233  09 

11,  By  remittance  from  the  Bap.  F.  M.  Society  of  N.  J.        .        45  50 

Deduct  from  which  J§6,210  59 

To  two  remittances  to  India  for  the  support  of  Mr.  Judson,  §2000— 
to  premium  on  dollars,  §52  50 — to  Mrs  Coles'  bill  for  printing  the 
Proceedings,  &.c.  and  for  some  other  printing  and  paper,  §189  33 — 
to  the  purchase  of  books  for  the  use  of  Mr.  Judson,  and  books  and 
stationary  for  records,  &.c.  §71  46 — to  sundry  postages  of  the  Cor. 
Secretary,  Treasurer,  and  Agent  of  the  Board,  §61  12 — to  cash 
borrowed  to  defray  the  expense  of  Mr.  Rice's  first  journey  to  the 
south,  to  Mr.  Rice  for  his  services,  and  to  various  other  contingent 
but  unavoidable  expenditures,  §704  94 — to  expenses  of  Mr. 
Hough,  §200 — to  counterfeit  bills,  §6 — to  investment  in  U.  States' 
stock,  §1875 — to  commission  on  the  purchase  of  said  stock,  and 
other  contingent  expenses  of  the  Treasurer,  §6  11,  -  5,166  46 

To  50  dolls,  more,  paid  towards  expenses  of  Brother  Hough,         -  50  00 

Balance  in  the  treasury 
United  States'  stock,  as  per  investment  above  mentioned  of  1875  dolls 
Nominal  value  of  the  3  Bank  shares  above  mentioned, 
Jieceived  since  llth  May,  viz. 
By  remittance  from  the  New- York  Association, 
By  ditto  the  Baltimore  Baptist  M.  Society,  ... 

By  ditto  the  Baptist  Mis.  Soc.  of  Frederick  Co.  Va. 
By  ditto  the  Gen.  Com.  of  Churches  in  the  Charleston  Asso.  S.  C. 


r    994  13 

.  2500  00 

300  00 

59  72 
151  00 

70.00 
300  00 

52 

By  ditto  the  Sansom-st.  Bap.  Female  Soc.  for  F.  Missions,  -  203  00 

By  collection  in  Sansom-st.  M.  H.  on  the  setting  apart  of  Br.  Hough 

for  the  mission,  -  -  -  -  -  -  58  00 

By  the  Philadelphia  Baptist  Society  for  Foreign  Missions,  -         625  00 

By  collection,  21st  inst.  in  the  Bap.  Meeting-house,  Roxboro',  Fenn.  8  45 

By  ditto,  2d  inst.  in  Hopewell,  N.  J.  -  -  -  10  50 

By  ditto,  29th  inst.  at  Frankfort,  near  Philadelphia,  •  .         15  00 

Ordered  this  year  by  the  N.  C.  Bap.  Soc.  for  F.  Missions,  -  200  00 

Ordered  by  the  Richmond  Bap.  M.  Soc.  for  Prop.  Gos.  in  India,  &c.      250  00 

The  undersigned,  having  the  Treasurer's  account,  as  certified  by  John 
Withington,  Esq.  and  having  examined  Mr.  Rice's  settlement  with  the  Trea- 
surer, as  per  resolve  of  tins  Board;  is  of  opinion,  that  the  preceding  exhibits  an 
accurate  view  of  the  state  of  the  funds  of  the  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Mis- 
sions. DANIEL  CHESSMAN. 


MISCELLANEA. 

Upon  the  general  state  of  religion  amongst  the  churches  throughout  the 
country,  little  can  here  be  said.  By  casting  an  eye  over  the  preceding  Table 
of  the  Associations,  it  will  be  perceived  that  in  too  many  instances  the  number 
of  preachers  does  not  equal  the  number  of  churches  belonging  to  an  Associa- 
tion;— this  should  incite,  more  frequently,  and  more  fervently,  to  pray  the  Lord 
of  the  harvest,  that  he  would  send  forth  labourers  into  his  harvest.  In  several  parts 
of  our  country,  as  appears  on  the  minutes  af  the  Associations,  revivals,  some 
of  them  extensive,  have  taken  place.  The  minutes  of  the  Philadelphia,  Me- 
herrin,  Sensselaerville,  and  perhaps  others,  gratefully  record  instances  of  this 
nature  of  the  divine  goodness  and  mercy. 

It  will  ever  be  pleasing  to  announce  revivals, amongst  other  denominations 
as  well  as  within  the  circle  of  our  more  immediate  communion.  Particularly  at 
the  present  time  awakenings  to  a  remarkable  extent  in  several  colleges,  call 
loudly  for  thanksgiving  to  "  the  Father  of  Lights." 

With  much  pleasure  is  the  number  and  advancing  progress  of  Bible  Socie- 
ties here  adverted  to.  Within  the  narrow  space  of  about  seven  years,  seventy- 
six  societies  of  this  description  have  risen  into  existence  in  our  own  country, 
to  share  in  the  benevolent  effort  "to  make  known  the  volume  of  Revelation  in 
every  region  of  the  globe ." 

Gladly  would  the  opportunity  to  notice  the  missionary  efforts  of  other  deno- 
minations be  seized,  could  the  limits  of  this  Report  possibly  admit;  while 
the  benediction  of  heaven  is  devoutly  supplicated  on  every  attempt  to  spread 
the  truth  as  it  is  in  jfesus,  and  to  advance  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour. 

Among  the  favourable  indications  of  Providence,  particularly  in  relation  to 
the  enlargement  of  our  own  denomination,  exertions  to  educate  those  who  ap- 
pear to  be  called  of  God  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  certainly  are  not  the  least 
propitious.  Efforts  of  this  nature  in  the  south  and  in  the  north,  as  well  as  in 
the  middle  states,  appear  to  be  increasing;  and  their  beneficial  tendency  will, 
it  is  believed,  be  extensively  realized.  By  the  minutes  of  the  Boston  and  Wood- 
stock Associations,  there  appear  to  have  been  formed  two  Baptist  Education 
Societies  during  the  last  year,  one  in  Massachusetts,  and  one  in  Vermont,  for 
the  purpose  of  improving  the  qualifications  of  pious  young  men  for  the  gospel 
ministry.  This  thing  is  patronized  also,  as  their  minutes  evince,  by  other  Asso- 
ciations; and  is,  indeed,  the  more  pleasing,  as  it  tends  to  foster  the  hope  that 
while  the  Lord  is  inclining  the  churches  to  supply  the  means  of  supporting 
missionaries,  he  is  inclining  them  also  to  supply  pious  young  men,  who  desire 
to  minister  in  the  gospel,  with  the  means  of  becoming  more  fully  qualified  for 
this  responsible  employment;  nor  can  it  be  doubted  that  the  same  gracious 
Being  will  incline  the  hearts  of  a  suitable  number  of  these,  as  he  has  inclined 
the  heart  of  brother  Hough,  willingly  to  offer  themselves  to  the  missionary 
service.  One  or  two  such  young  men  are  already  known  to  the  Board.  Mis- 
sionaries, it  may  be  anticipated,  will  thus  in  the  course  of  Divine  Providence 
be  raised  up  for  the  apostolic  service,  both  in  the  east  and  in  the  west.  Atten- 


53 

tention  to  this  business  is  by  no  means  to  be  employed  exclusively  in  one  dired* 
tion.  "  Look  from  the  place  where  thou  art,  northward,  and  southward,  and  east-ward, 
and  westward.'"  Who  knows  but  the  revolutions  in  South  America  may  soon 
result  in  such  a  state  of  things  as  to  disclose  a  wide  field  to  the  missionary  cul- 
tivator? Who  knows  but  a  door  may  soon  be  opened  to  some  of  the  native  tribes 
in  the  west?  In  either  case  the  opportunity  will  be  eagerly  seized  to  send  forth 
the  heralds  of  the  cross  in  the  direction  indicated  by  a  wise  and  merciful  Pro- 
vidence. In  relation  to  the  native,  tribes  on  the  frontiers  of  our  country,  and 
extending1  back  into  the  wide  and  distant  forests  of  the  west,  there  is  at  least 
one  fact  which  cannot  but  be  viewed  in  a  favourable  light.  This  observation 
alludes  to  an  impression  on  the  minds  of  many,  and  which  seems  to  be  increas- 
ing, that  something  ought  to  be  done,  for  these  unhappy  natives.  Who  knows  but 
this  very  impression  maybe  the  precursor,  in  the  dispensations  -THIS  govern- 
ment, who  is  wonderful  in  counsel,  ami  excellent  in  working,  of  an  attempt  at  least, 
possibly  a  successful  one,  to  enlighten  this  benighted,  vagrant,  miserable  por- 
tion of  the  human  family?  Nay,  something  has  been  done  already;  besides  what 
others  have  effected,  the  General  Committee  of  Churches  united  in  the  Charleston 
Baptist  Association,  one  of  the  constituent  members  of  the  Convention,  has, 
for  several  years,  supported  a  missionary  and  schoolmaster  among  the  Catawba 
Indians,  and  although  the  success  has  not  been  great,  the  effort  cannot  fail  of 
securing  the  approbation  of  all  good  people. 

Extract  of  a  letter  dated  March  25,  1815,  from  Mr.  William  Burls,  deacon  of  Dr. 
Ripporf-s  church  oj  London,  and  agent  for  the  Baptist  Mission  Society. 

"  We  have  just  heard  of  the  arrival  in  India  of  Mr.  Eustace  Carey  (nephew  of 
Dr.  Carey)  who  with  his  wife  left  tins  country  in  February  last  year — he  is  a 
very  popular  preacher  and  an  excellent  man,  but  the  subject  of  much  debility; 
it  was  thought  that  he  would  have  gone  into  a  decline,  had  he  continued  here; 
hopes  were  entertained,  that  a  warmer  climate  would  suit  his  constitution. 
Since  then  a  Mr.  Yates,  a  native  of  Loughborough  in  Leicestershire,  who  has 
been  some  time  at  Bristol,  has  been  sent  out  to  join  the  mission  in  India.  He 
is  an  eminent  scholar  and  possesses  considerable  talents  for  attaining  languages- 
We  hope  he  will  be  a  great  acquisition  to  the  mission.  Late  accounts  from 
India  are  very  encouraging;  the  Lord  is  still  favouring  those  blessed  men 
Carey,  Marshman,  Ward,  and  their  coadjutors;  they  increase  on  every  side; 
and  the  translations  are  going  forward  rapidly.  I  rejoice  that  the  Baptist  friends 
in  America  are  so  actively  engaged  in  missionary  exertions:  may  the  God  of  all 
grace  eminently  bless  their  efforts.  I  congratulate  you  on  the  return  of  peace 
between  our  two  countries,  and  pray,  if  it  be  the  divine  will,  it  may  be  no  more 
interrupted.  May  we  in  both  countries  love  and  pray  for  each  other,  and  only 
vie  with  one  another  in  acts  of  mercy,  pity,  and  good  will  to  man — in  Bible 
Societies,  Tract  Societies,  and  Missionary  exertions. 

"  P.  S.  Since  writing  the  above,  I  ha.ve  this  day,  March  28,  received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Ward  giving  the  melancholy  account  of  Felix  Carey's  wife  and  t-uio 
children  being  drowned  in  going  to  Ava — the  brig  was  upset  in  a  squall.  Felix  with 
ten  others  were  saved  by  swimmitig  to  the  nearest  shore.  It  is  also  feared  that  two 
printing  presses,  and  about  16.00U  rupees  (g  8,000,  nearly)  were  lost  at  the  same 
time.  Dr.  Cary  is  greatly  distressed  by  this  trying  event  /" 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Ivemy,  in  a  letter  says — <  We  have  much  rejoiced  to  hear  of 
the  missionary  spirit  in  our  denomination  extending  itself  so  widely  in  America.5 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Dr.  Carey  to  Mr.  Sutclijf. 
"  I  scarcely  ever  felt  before  so  sensibly  the  weight  of  the  labours  in  which  I 
am  engaged;  but  the  truth  is,  those  labours  are  increasing  almost  every  day. 
The  work  of  the  translations  imposes  upon  me  the  necessity  of  learning  all  the 
different  languages  into  which  they  are  made;  and  a  conscientious  desire  that 
they  may  be  perfected  after  my  deatii,  if  not  while  I  live,  induces  me  to  write 
grammars  and  other  elementary  books  in  these  languages.*  To  those  who  think 

"  *  Besides  the  Translations  of  the  Scriptures,  the  missionaries  have  pub- 
lished several  works  relative  to  Oriental  Literature. 
Dr.  Carey  has  published, 
1.  The  Ramayuna  of  VaJmeeki,  a  Sungskrit  poem,  with  an  English  trans- 


54 

but  lightly  upon  the  subject,  this  may  appear  to  be  a  trifling  thing;  but  in  reali- 
ty, though  I  try  to  comprise  these  grammars  in  as  little  a  compass  as  possible, 
the  labour  is  very  great;  as  every  rule  must  be  carefully  weighed,  and  so  form- 
ed as  to  comprise  all  for  which  it  is  intended,  with  as  few  exceptions  as 
possible." 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Mr.  Peacock,  at  Agra,  to  a  friend  at  Serampore. 
"We  were  coming  home  one  evening  lately  through  the  wheat  bazar, 
(market)  and  in  the  midst  of  the  sellers  of  wheat  and  other  grain  lay  a  poor 
man  who  had  just  breathed  his  last  among  the  heaps  of  the  grain.  He  had  pick- 
ed up  a  few  husks  of  pease  and  grain,  which  it  appeared  he  had  been  attempt- 
ing to  eat,  but  was  too  far  gone.  Not  a  single  man  in  the  bazar  -would  give  this 
poor  creature  one  handful  of -wheat  to  save  his  life.  This  is  not  the  only  instance 
of  the  hardness  of  heart  of  this  people;  they  have  no  more  feeling  for  the  poor 
than  if  they  were  dogs.  They  show  no  mercy,  no  pity.  We  daily  find  here  and 
there  one  starved  to  death." 

lation  (in  conjunction  with  Dr.  Marshman),  under  the  patronage  of  the  Asiatic 
Society  and  the  College  of  Fort  William.  Three  Volumes  4to.  are  already  pub- 
lished; dedicated  to  Sir  George  Barlow. 

2.  A  Grammar  and  Dialogues  in  Bengalee.  Second  edition. 

3.  A  Grammar  of  the  Mahratta  Language.  Second  edition. 

4.  A  Mahratta  Dictionary. 

5.  A  Sungskrit  Grammar,  4to;  dedicated  to  Marquis  Wellesley. 

"He  has  also  just  finished  the  printing  of  a  Grammar  in  the  Punjabee 
Language;  and  has  now  in  the  press  Grammars  of  the  Telinga  and  Carnatic 
Languages.  He  is  also  writing  Grammars  of  the  Kushmeere,  the  Pushna,  the 
Ballochee,  and  the  Orissa  Languages.  In  addition  to  these  various  and  exten- 
sive labours,  this  pious  minister  and  indefatigable  scholar  will  complete,  in  two 
years  more,  his  Bengalee  Dictionary." 

"  A  Grammar  of  the  Burmah  Language,  by  his  son  Felix  Carey,  who  al- 
ready treads  in  the  devout  and  learned  footsteps  of  his  father,  is  also  in  the 
Missionary  press  at  Serampore." 

"  Dr.  Marshman  has  commenced  publishing  the  Works  of  Confucius  in  the 
original,  with  a  Translation  and  Commentary  ;  dedicated  to  Lord  Minto. 

"  He  has  also  composed  a  Work  under  the  title  of  Claris  Sinica,  or  Key  of  the 
Chinese  Language.  Of  this  Work  the  first  part  is  already  printed,  and  consists 
of  two  dissertations:  the  first,  on  the  Chinese  Character;  the  second,  on  the 
Colloquial  Medium  of  the  Chinese.  The  second  part  of  the  Clavis  will  be  a 
Grammar  of  the  Chinese  Language.  These  two  parts  of  the  Work  will  contain 
four  or  five  hundred  quarto  pages;  and  Dr  Marshman  has  in  contemplation  to 
add,  as  an  Appendix,  a  Vocabulary,  containing  the  Characters  in  the  whole  of 
Confucius;  which  he  conceives  will  render  it  a  complete  Key  to  the  Language. 
The  passages  in  Chinese  characters  contained  in  these  Works,  are  printed  on 
moveable  metal  types,  which  Dr.  Marshman  and  his  coadjutors  have  had  the 
merit  of  bringing,  by  the  most  laudable  ingenuity  and  perseverance,  to  a  state 
of  perfection  not  known  before." 

"Mr.  Ward  has  also  recently  published  the  second  edition  of  a  Work,  in  four 
quarto  volumes,  on  the  Religion,  Writings,  and  manners  of  the  Hindoos. 

"  The  quotations  in  this  note  are  made  from  a  Valedictory  Address,  deliver- 
ed by  Lord  Minto,  September  20,  1813,  in  which  he  adds — 

"  I  profess  a  very  sincere  pleasure  in  bringing  the  literary  merits  of  Dr. 
Marshman,  and  the  other  reverend  members  of  the  Serampore  Mission,  to 
the  notice  of  the  public;  and  in  bearing  my  testimony  to  the  great  and  extra- 
ordinary labours,  which  constancy  and  energy  in  their  numerous  and  various 
occupations  have  enabled  this  modest  and  respectable  community  to  accom- 
plish. 

"  I  am  not  less  gratified  by  the  opportunity  which  their  literary  achievements 
afford,  of  expressing  my  regard  for  the  exemplary  worth  of  their  lives,  and 
the  beneficent  principle  which  distinguishes  and  presides  in  the  various  useful 
establishments  they  have  formed,  and  which  are  conducted  by  themselves." 


55 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Dr.  Carey  to  Dr.  Fuller. 

"  Some  time  ago  I  received  a  letter  from  the  Resident  at  Amboyna,  re» 
questing-  us  to  send  missionaries  to  that  place,  where  there  are  20,000  pro- 
fessed christians,  places  of  worship  and  schools,  but  not  a  single  minister  of  the 
gospel.  We  immediately  wrote  you  for  help  for  them.  This  week,  however, 
government,  in  consequence  of  a  representation  from  Mr.  Martin,  the  Resi- 
dent, has  applied  to  us  to  send  men  to  superintend  their  schools,  and  offered 
facilities  for  transporting  them  thither.  We  have  been  greatly  distressed  at 
not  having  brethren  ready  to  send.  This  day,  to  my  great  joy,  my  son  Jabez 
offered  to  me,  with  much  fear  of  being  rejected,  to  go  to  Amboyna.  Jabez, 
about  a  year  and  a  half  ago,  was  articled  to  an  attorney  at  law;  he  did  not  then 
appear  serious,  and  some  time  before  that  had  given  me  much  pain  by  his 
dislike  of  religion;  since  he  has  been  in  Calcutta  his  conduct  has  given  plea- 
sure to  all  who  knew  him;  and  for  more  than  twelve  months  I  have  hall 
scarcely  a  doubt  of  his  conversion:  he  has  a  fine  prospect  before  him  as  it 
relates  to  this  life;  his  master  has  entire  confidence  in  him,  and  I  have  the 
promise  of  the  second  judge  of  the  supreme  court,  to  use  his  influence  in 
bringing  him  forward.  To  see  him  with  these  prospects  voluntarily  give  up 
the  Whole  to  engage  in  the  work  of  the  mission,  has  so  gladdened  my  heart, 
that  you  must  forgive  me,  if  I  write  foolishly  in  giving  it  vent  for  the  first  time. 
******  I  have  as  good  health  as  ever  I  had;  but  al- 

most sink  under  the  labours  which  I  must  go  through.    I  am  encouraged, 
however,  when  I  think  of  the  cause  which  I  serve." 

"  When  we  contemplate  (say  the  Serampore  translators,  at  the  close  of  their 
Fifth  Memoir,  relative  to  the  translations)  the  prospect  presented  by  the  com- 
pletion of  the  versions  of  the  Scriptures,  now  in  a  course  of  translation  (and  of 
which,  we  hope,  taken  as  a  whole,  the  work  is  now  more  than  half  done;)  and 
unite  with  these  the  versions  already  made  in  the  Malay,  the  Tamul,  the  Cin- 
galese, the  Persian,  and  the  Hindosthanee  languages,  together  with  the  trans- 
lation which  probably  has  been  completed  in  Tartary,  we  perceive  the  greater 
part  of  the  heathen  world  will  have  the  word  of  God  in  their  own  tongue  wherein  they 
were  born.  For  although  there  will  then  be  many  languages  still  left  without  it, 
the  population  through  which  they  extend  is  so  small,  that  they  scarcely 
amount  to  a  tenth  of  the  supposed  population  of  the  earth.  What  a  cheering 
thought,  that,  in  a  few  years,  nine  tenths  of  mankind  may  probably  hear  in  their 
own  language  the  word  of  God,  which  is  able  to  make  wise  unto  salvation!  And 
we  have,  in  some  degree,  seen  what  HE  can  do  by  his  word  alone. 

"To  a  part  of  his  word  contained  in  a  tract  we  owe  our  late  brother  Petumber; 
to  another  our  brother  Futika,  whose  joyful  deaths  are  well  known; — our  bro- 
ther Deep-chund,  who  has  long  preached  the  gospel;  and  our  brethren  Kanai 
and  Kanta,  who  have  long  adorned  it  by  their  steady  walk;  neither  of  whom 
had  we  ever  seen  till  the  frequent  perusal  of  a  tract  written  by  our  beloved 
Petumber,  had  turned  their  hearts  towards  the  gospel.  To  a  New  Testament 
left  at  a  shop  in  a  village,  we  owe  our  brother  Sebukrama,  and  Krisna-dasa, 
two  of  the  most  acceptable  and  useful  native  preachers  we  have;  as  well  as  se- 
veral other  brethren  from  the  same  village:  and  to  an  English  New  Testament 
we  owe  Tara-chund  and  Mut-hara,  two  brethren  whom  the  Lord  has  given  us 
this  year,  who  several  years  ago,  by  reading  an  English  Testament,  were  stirred 
xip  to  enquire  about  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  meeting  with  one  in  Bengalee, 
in  the  beginning  of  this  year,  found  their  way  to  us,  and  have  since  been  bap- 
tized. Thus  what  the  Lord  can,  and  what  he  may  do  among  the  nations  of  the 
earth  by  his  word  alone,  even  where  his  people  may  be  unable  to  gain  access 
in  person,  is  known  only  to  his  infinite  wisdom." 


"  Hindoo  Cruelties. — (Periodical  accounts,  No.  27,  p.  878-9.) — A  Hindoo  car- 
penter was  drowned  because  he  had  the  leprosy.  He  was  carried  from  one  of 
the  ghauts  at  Alum-gung  in  a  boat,  in  the  presence  of  a  large  concourse  of 
people,  and  when  in  deep  water  put  overboard.   Two  large  eavthern  not«,  one 


56 

filled  with  sand,  and  the  other  with  barley,  were  fastened  to  his  shoulders. 
The  man  sunk,  but  after  a  little  time  floated  on  the  surface  of  the  water. 
The  people  in  the  boat  rowed  after  him  and  took  him  up;  but  they  made  sure 
work  of  it  the  second  time!" 

"  About  two  years  ago  a  woman  was  burnt  after  an  attempt  to  escape  the 
flames!  The  friends  of  the  deceased  husband  were  very  poor  and  unable  to 
procure  wood  for  the  funeral  pile.  They  however  collected  a  quantity  of 
Palmyra  leaves  for  the  purpose;  and  the  living  woman  and  the  dead  body 
were  are  as  usual  put  into  the  midst  of  the  heap.  The  fire  was  kindled,  and 
the  poor  woman's  clothes  consumed;  but  she  struggled,  extricated  herself 
from  the  flames,  and  attempted  to  run  away,  intreating  her  pursuers  to  spare 
her  life.  But,  alas!  she  intreated  in  vain:  she  was  seized  and  destroyed!" 

Many  other  instances  of  this  horrid  practice  might  be  quoted,  and  other 
perpetrations  of  the  most  appalling  nature,  but  we  abstain  from  the  sad  detail! 
While  the  multiplied  miseries  of  the  heathen  appeal  to  christian  charity  for 
alleviation,  in  a  manner  that  should  rouse  the  most  supine  to  action,  and  create 
sensibility  in  a  heart  of  iron  or  stone,  the  success  with  which  exertion  has  been 
hitherto  sustained  yields  ample  encouragement  to  future  more  extended  and 
more  visrorous  efforts. 


The  persuasion  is  freely  indulged  that  not  only  the  expense  necessarily 
incurred  by  the  publication  and  distribution  of  this  Report,  will  be  cheerfully 
defrayed  by  the  Societies,  Associations  and  Churches,  but  also  that  such 
liberal  and  willing  contributions  will  be  transmitted  to  the  general  fund  as 
shall  support  and  extend  the  missionary  operations  now  going  forward. 


The  manifest  importance  of  distinct  and  general  information  rela- 
tive to  missions,  has  induced  the  comprising  of  so  much  matter  in 
this  Report.  No  doubt  can  be  entertained  that  the  Missionary  Cause 
will  be  patronized  in  proportion  as  its  importance  and  utility  are  ap- 
preciated, and  its  tendency  to  mitigate  the  sorrows  and  promote  the 
happiness  of  the  human  family  is  known  and  considered.  It  is  hoped, 
therefore,  that  this  Report  will  be  circulated  from  one  to  another 
through  the  churches,  till  all  shall  become  acquainted  with  that 
great  Cause  which  cries  aloud  "  Come  and  see.'"— whose  beneficent 
aim  is  the  redemption  from  sin  of  a  world  that  lies  in  wickedness—' 
whose  glorious  Author  is  the  SON  of  GOD. 


The  Board  tender  their  gratitude  to  their  brethren  Messrs.  Joseph  Cone.  Joseph 
Barnhurst,  and  William  Duffy,  (members  of  the  Sansom  Street  Church,)  for  the 
plate  at  the  commencement  of  this  Report;  the  first  of  whom  executed  the  engraving, 
the  other  two  furnished  the  copperplate  and  printing— each  gratuitously. 


